Emanuela Fanelli to Host Venice Film Festival’s Opening and Closing Nights

Image: Emanuela Fanelli | Photo by Roberta Krasnig / Courtesy of La Biennale di Venezia

Italian actress and writer Emanuela Fanelli will take center stage at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival (August 27 – September 6, 2025), hosting both the opening and closing nights.

Known for her sharp wit and emotionally layered performances, Fanelli has become one of the most original voices in contemporary Italian cinema. She’ll lead the festival’s inauguration on August 27 at the iconic Sala Grande and return to host the closing ceremony on September 6, where the prestigious Golden Lions and other prizes will be announced.

Fanelli’s rise has been anything but ordinary. From her breakout roles in Siccità and C’è ancora domani, to her surreal comedic presence in Una pezza di Lundini, she has carved a space that defies convention. With two David di Donatello wins under her belt, she brings both humor and humanity to every role she plays—qualities that make her a perfect fit for the world’s oldest film festival.

This year’s Venice Film Festival promises a compelling mix of legacy and innovation—and with Fanelli at the helm of its ceremonies, expect a little extra soul, a touch of satire, and the unmistakable energy of a performer who knows how to own a spotlight.