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Liza Soberano Joins Golden Globes Documentary Jury at Venice Film Festival
The Filipino-American actress aims to elevate documentary storytelling through her new role in the jury for the prestigious Golden Globes Impact Prize.
Filipino-American actress Liza Soberano has been appointed to the jury for the Golden Globes Impact Prize for Documentary, which will be awarded during the upcoming Venice Film Festival from September 2 to 12, 2026. This prize, jointly initiated by the Golden Globes and the Artemis Rising Foundation with backing from Think-Film Impact Production, seeks to honor documentary feature films that highlight significant social issues through compelling narratives.
Soberano, who moved to the Philippines from California as a child, has made a notable career for herself in Philippine cinema. She made her Hollywood debut in 2024 with Focus Features' "Lisa Frankenstein" and will provide a lead voice in the upcoming DreamWorks Animation film, "Forgotten Island," set to be released next month. Apart from her artistic pursuits, Soberano also serves as an ambassador for Save the Children Philippines, advocating for women's and children's rights and raising awareness about issues such as online sexual exploitation and mental health.
In her statement regarding this new role, Soberano expressed her passion for film as a tool for social change. "I've always believed that film has the power to do more than entertain - it can challenge injustice, offer safety, inspire hope and remind us of our shared humanity," she said. She further emphasized the importance of documentary filmmaking, stating, "Documentary filmmaking is where some of the most courageous and unforgettable storytelling is happening today. I'm honored to serve on this jury, because celebrating documentary filmmakers isn't only about recognizing extraordinary talent; it's where the future of cinema is heading."
The jury for the Golden Globes Impact Prize includes several notable figures: Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes; Regina K. Scully, founder of the Artemis Rising Foundation; Geralyn White Dreyfous, an Oscar-winning producer and co-founder of Impact Partners; and Danielle Turkov Wilson, the founder and CEO of Think-Film Impact Production. The winner of this prestigious prize will receive a cash award of $10,000 courtesy of the Artemis Rising Foundation.
The collaboration between the Golden Globes, Artemis Rising Foundation, and Think-Film Impact Production to introduce this documentary prize first took place at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and has now expanded to the Venice Film Festival. Hoehne remarked, "Documentaries have become some of the defining cinematic experiences of our time," highlighting the growing importance of this genre in contemporary filmmaking.
Regina Scully added, "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Golden Globes and the Venice Film Festival to celebrate cinematic excellence and see documentary storytelling receiving the prominence and recognition it has long earned."
Reflecting on the significance of documentaries, Venice's artistic director Alberto Barbera stated, "Venice has always been a home for filmmakers who expand the possibilities of cinema, and documentary has become one of the defining creative forces in contemporary filmmaking."
In assuming this jury role, Soberano not only enhances her profile in the film industry but also reinforces her commitment to social advocacy through cinematic means. Her involvement underscores the critical role of documentaries in shaping narratives about pressing societal issues, a sentiment echoed by all members of the jury.