The board of directors of La Biennale di Venezia approved on Tuesday the renewal of Alberto Barbera as artistic director of the Venice Film Festival for the years 2027 and 2028. The decision, announced by the governing body chaired by Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, extends the current mandate of the artistic chief — which was set to expire after the 2026 edition — for an additional two years.

In an official statement, the Biennale said the renewal was agreed “in consideration of the results he has achieved in the recognized quality of the selections, in discovering and launching new talents on the international stage, in spreading and advancing the culture of cinema and in expanding audiences.”

With this extension, Barbera — the longest-serving artistic director in the festival’s history — will remain at the helm at least through 2028, without ruling out the possibility of a further renewal that could prolong his tenure even more. He has led the festival consecutively since 2012 and previously held the position from 1998 to 2001.

Under his leadership, the Venice festival has consolidated its status as the most effective launchpad on the international circuit for awards contenders. In recent years, titles that premiered on the Lido have gone on to significant success during awards season, including Frankenstein, Bugonia, Gravity, Birdman, Spotlight, La La Land, The Shape of Water, Roma, Joker, Nomadland and The Power of the Dog, among others.

Beyond its role in the awards race, the festival has become a key showcase for emerging filmmakers from around the world. Through the Biennale College program, it supports the development and production of micro-budget feature films via a unique workshop model.

Barbera’s career as a festival executive began in 1989, after working as a film critic, when he became artistic director of the Turin Film Festival, dedicated to young directors and focused on scouting fresh cinematic voices from across the globe.

His work has received broad international recognition. In 2022, he was honored with a special tribute at the Gotham Awards in New York; in 2021, Variety presented him with its International Achievement in Film Award; since 2020, he has been a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; and in 2000, he was named Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, a cultural distinction bestowed by the French Republic.