Hey dear travelers, the news is confirmed: goodbye to the godmothers of the Venice Film Festival 2025 to welcome female presenters.
Starting in 2025, the Venice Film Festival will say goodbye to the traditional role of the "Godmother," introducing a new concept of "presenters."
This marks a significant change in the ceremony of one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
Let’s discover everything you need to know in this guide by Venice Insider Guide.
Venice Film Festival Godmothers: The latest news
Let’s start with the latest updates. Until 2024, the Venice Film Festival always had a "Godmother"—a female figure chosen to lead the opening and closing ceremonies, welcome stars on the red carpet, and embody the elegance of the event. However, this role will be modified starting in 2025.
Artistic director Alberto Barbera has confirmed that the traditional "Godmother" will be replaced by a "Host," with the aim of modernizing the festival and making the ceremony more dynamic and inclusive. The change has been supported by Venice Biennale President Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, who emphasized the need to adapt to the times while maintaining the festival’s identity.
Goodbye to the Venice Film Festival Godmothers from 2025
Moving forward, let’s explore the reasons behind this decision. Traditionally, the Godmother was an actress or model, chosen primarily for her elegance and ability to represent the festival’s glamour. However, over time, the role evolved, and many Godmothers used their platform to bring political or social messages to the stage.
The decision to replace the Godmother with a presenters reflects the desire to make the festival less formal and more engaging, transforming the presenter into an active part of the ceremony rather than a symbolic figure. This shift aligns the Venice Film Festival with other major international events such as Cannes or Berlinale.
Venice Film Festival Godmothers 2025: Welcome the presenters
Let’s continue by understanding who might be the first Host of this new era. Although the official name has not yet been announced, rumors suggest that the festival may choose someone with strong hosting experience, possibly from the world of cinema, television, or journalism.
The main requirements?
- Charisma and stage presence
- Experience in hosting live events
- Ability to improvise and interact with the audience
It is also possible that in 2025, the festival will introduce a co-hosting format—perhaps a duo of a man and a woman—to make the ceremony even more dynamic.
Godmother of the Venice Film Festival 2025: What’s changing?
Let’s take a closer look at what this transformation will bring:
- New title, new role – No more "Godmother," now a "female presenters."
- More engagement – The Host will not just be a representative figure but will actively lead the ceremony.
- Potential for dual hosting – The festival might opt for a male-female hosting duo.
- Wider selection criteria – Not just actresses or models, but also directors, screenwriters, and other film professionals could be considered.
This marks a true revolution for the Venice Film Festival, which has always been a global benchmark for the film industry.
Who was the Venice Film Festival Godmother?
Let’s dive into the history of the Godmother. But who exactly was the Godmother of the festival? The tradition dates back to the 1990s and has featured many renowned Italian and international actresses and models.
The main aspects of the Venice Film Festival Godmother role:
- Institutional role – The Godmother officially opened and closed the festival with speeches.
- Red carpet presence – She was one of the most anticipated figures on the red carpet.
- Festival ambassador – Often, she represented the festival at parallel events.
The Godmother’s role has always been about bringing prestige and beauty to the event, but over time, it became increasingly symbolic and meaningful.
Venice Film Festival Godmothers over the years
Let’s take a moment to remember some of the most iconic Godmothers in recent festival history:
- Maria Grazia Cucinotta (2009)
- Isabella Ragonese (2010)
- Vittoria Puccini (2011)
- Kasia Smutniak (2012)
- Eva Riccobono (2013)
- Luisa Ranieri (2014)
- Elisa Sednaoui (2015)
- Sonia Bergamasco (2016)
- Alessandra Mastronardi (2019)
- Anna Foglietta (2020)
- Serena Rossi (2021)
- Rocío Muñoz Morales (2022)
- Caterina Murino (2023)
- Sveva Alviti (2024)
Many of these women went beyond their ceremonial duties to deliver important messages on gender equality, freedom of expression, and cinema culture.
Sveva alviti godmother of the 81st Venice International Film Festival
We can say that the last godmother of the Venice Film Festival was Sveva Alviti for the 81st edition.
Venice and Cinema: An unbreakable bond
Let’s continue with a reflection on the relationship between Venice and cinema. The Venice Film Festival is not just a glamorous event—it is the world’s oldest film festival, founded in 1932.
Venice has always managed to blend art, history, and entertainment, creating a unique atmosphere that attracts the biggest stars in the industry every year.
This city is the perfect backdrop for such an event: the lights of the Lagoon, the charm of historic palaces, the red carpet on the Lido... every detail contributes to making the festival an extraordinary experience.
Goodbye Venice Film Festival Godmothers 2025: Now the hosts
As the Venice Film Festival enters a new era, saying farewell to the traditional Venice Film Festival Godmothers, the 81st edition promises a fresh take on elegance and ceremony. Among the many distinguished guests walking the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival, one name stands out: Sveva Alviti. The Italian actress has captivated the audience, embodying the glamour and prestige of the event.
At the iconic Hotel Excelsior, where stars gather for exclusive photo services, images, and interviews, Sveva Alviti attends the festival in breathtaking style. Wearing an exquisite gown by Alberta Ferretti, she proves once again why she is a distinguished figure in the film industry. From August to September, the festival remains the ultimate premiere stage for cinematic excellence, offering curated content and a chance to choose unforgettable moments.
As the festival evolves, measure are taken to protect its legacy while improving the experience for guests and cinephiles alike. From live videos to editorial options, every work showcased at the Venice Film Festival is a reflection of talent and vision. Based in Italy, this historic event continues to draw the eyes of the world, ensuring that every godmother—past and present—is received with the honor the occasion deserves. Want to learn more? Just read on, explore, and let the magic of Venice film transport you through time.
Goodbye Venice Film Festival Godmothers 2025: conclusion
To conclude, this decision marks a real evolution in the Venice Film Festival.
So, let's say goodbye to the godmothers of the Venice Film Festival 2025 and welcome the new presenters.
Even though the term "Godmother" will no longer be used, the heart of the event remains the same: a celebration of great cinema and its stars in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
And you, dear travelers, what do you think about this change? Did you prefer the Godmother figure, or are you excited to see the new presenters?
Venice is waiting for you, with all its charm and cinematic magic!