Virginia Film Festival announces 2026 lineup

The 39th Virginia Film Festival has announced its lineup for the upcoming event, scheduled to take place from October 21-25, 2026, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The festival will feature Jesse Eisenberg’s ‘The Debut’ as the opening night film. The centerpiece film is ‘The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd’, featuring Tim Blake Nelson, who will also receive the Virtuoso Award. The closing night film will be the world premiere of the documentary ‘Tragedy to Triumph’, produced by NFL Films, BD4 Studios, and UVA Athletics. The documentary chronicles the University of Virginia football program’s journey from the 2022 shooting tragedy to their record-breaking 2025 season.

Several Visionary Awards will be presented, including honors for Nathan Lane and Jessica Lange. Other keynote guests and award recipients include James Gray, who will receive the Outstanding Achievement in Directing Award.