Venice Cancels Then Reinstates Jury Press Conference as 2026 Lineup Called Its Most Political Ever

Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera told Deadline the festival's jury press conference was cancelled over politicisation fears and reinstated after outcry. The 2026 lineup, described by The Hollywood Reporter as Venice's "most political ever," includes the Gaza documentary "NAZA," scheduled late so politics would not overshadow other films. A Palestinian flag cannot fly on the red carpet: Italy does not recognise the state of Palestine.