Venice is once again becoming the focus of the world’s attention. International celebrities flock here for the Venice Film Festival. This year is the 82nd edition.

World-famous film festivals are always a big draw. And among them is the one in Venice, which takes place every year on the barrier island of Lido di Venezia in late summer, this year from 27 August to 6 September 2025. It is the 82nd edition, organised by La Biennale di Venezia and directed by Alberto Barbera. This important festival is officially recognised by FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Associations) and aims to raise awareness of international cinema.

A little history

The Venice Film Festival was founded in 1932 under the patronage of Count Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata, the sculptor Antonio Maraini and Luciano De Feo. It was intended to showcase the cultural strength of Venice, as it was to be the largest international showcase of artistic and cultural values. The aim was to create a place for film artists and enthusiasts who shared the same passion and talked to each other about cinematic works. The festival gradually grew in popularity and three years later it began its annual awards ceremony and tradition.

The Golden Lion is the most important award of the festival. ━━ The Golden Lion is the most important award of the festival. ( Source: Matteo Chinellato / Shutterstock )

Main awards

The Venice Film Festival is known for awarding major prizes. The most important is the Golden Lion, which is awarded for the best film. A film that wins this award will usually succeed at other film festivals.

There is also the Silver Lion, which is awarded for best direction, and the Volpi Cup, awarded to the best actor and best actress. Every actor who wants to succeed desires this award. New and experimental cinema is then awarded the Orizzonti.

Many Golden Lion or Silver Lion winners have gained worldwide popularity and have gone beyond the borders of their country. If until then they were known only domestically, after this award they stepped towards global fame.

High artistic value

The Venice Festival has a certain charm and a programme of high artistic value. It welcomes the most successful actors and directors and various elite groups of people on the red carpet. After the Cannes and Berlin film festivals, it is the next oldest of its kind.