The Venice Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world. It began in 1932 as the "Esposizione Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica" and since then has taken place every year in late August or early September on the island of the Lido, Venice, Italy. Screenings take place in the historic Palazzo del Cinema on the Lungomare Marconi. It is one of the world's most prestigious film festivals and is part of the Venice Biennale, a major biennial exhibition and festival for contemporary art.
The festival's principal awards are the Leone d'Oro (Golden Lion), which is awarded to the best film screened at the festival, and the Coppa Volpi (Volpi Cup), which is awarded to the best actor and actress. In 2002, the San Marco Award has been introduced, for the best film of the "controcorrente" (against the stream) section.
For the most recent festivals, see the 63rd and the 64th Venice International Film Festival.
