Saoirse Ronan to make her directorial debut at Venice film festival

The 2026 Venice International Film Festival is set to spotlight a notable shift in creative roles, with acclaimed actress Saoirse Ronan stepping into the director’s chair for the first time. Her short film, Paper Plane, produced by Keeper Pictures and Una Pictures, will have its world premiere at the festival, marking a significant milestone in Ronan’s expanding artistic journey.

Venice, established in 1932 and regarded as the second most prestigious film festival after Cannes, continues to draw a diverse slate of international auteurs. This year’s lineup features prominent filmmakers including Martin McDonagh, Danny Boyle, Werner Herzog, and Nanni Moretti, each bringing highly anticipated projects to the Adriatic coast.

Martin McDonagh returns to Venice with Wild Horse Nine, a darkly comedic tale set against the backdrop of the 1973 Chilean coup. The film stars John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as CIA agents dispatched to Easter Island, supported by a cast including Steve Buscemi and Tom Waits. McDonagh’s previous successes at Venice, such as the 2017 Best Screenplay award for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Colin Farrell’s Best Actor win in 2022 for The Banshees of Inisherin, underscore his strong connection to the festival.

German filmmaker Werner Herzog brings Bucking Fastard, a production largely filmed in Ireland with an Irish ensemble including the Mara sisters, Simon Delaney, and Terry McMahon. The film focuses on eccentric twins obsessed with their neighbor and represents a collaboration that highlights both Irish talent and Herzog’s distinctive narrative style. Notably, Herzog declined an out-of-competition slot at Cannes in favor of Venice’s main competition, reflecting the festival’s growing influence.

Danny Boyle’s Ink, featuring Guy Pearce as media mogul Rupert Murdoch, examines Murdoch’s historical efforts to acquire the Sun newspaper. The film promises to deliver a dramatic insight into British media history. Additionally, Robert Pattinson’s role in Lance Oppenheim’s Primetime, portraying a reality-TV host, will also debut, adding to the festival’s eclectic mix of narratives.

The festival further honors cinematic legends Ellen Burstyn and George Clooney with Lifetime Achievement Golden Lions, recognizing their enduring contributions to film. Burstyn’s career spans iconic roles in The Exorcist and Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, while Clooney’s accolade follows his continued prominence both in front of and behind the camera.

Venice 2026 also features the documentary Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, chronicling the reunion tour of the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel. This film provides a rare glimpse into the dynamic of one of Britain’s most influential rock bands, making it a highlight for music and film enthusiasts alike.

Controversy surrounds the inclusion of Ilya Khrzhanovsky’s Dau, a sprawling epic about a Soviet nuclear physicist, due to its financing ties to a Russian businessman under sanctions. The festival’s director, Alberto Barbera, has defended the film’s selection, emphasizing its critical stance on totalitarianism. This dispute highlights the complexities of cultural events navigating geopolitical sensitivities.

Venice maintains its reputation as a critical launchpad for Oscar contenders, with the festival’s position in the calendar preceding Telluride and Toronto offering a strategic platform for films seeking awards season momentum. The presence of Irish talent is particularly strong this year, reflecting the country’s growing influence in global cinema.

The festival will run from September 2nd to September 12th, 2026, and promises a blend of emerging voices and established masters. As the industry evolves, Venice continues to serve as a vital space for artistic experimentation, cross-cultural storytelling, and the celebration of cinematic achievement.