Overview
- Iran, which organizers said Monday would not take part, reduces national entries to 100 just before previews begin this week.
- After the five-member jury resigned on April 30, organizers scrapped the Golden and Silver Lions and created two Visitor Lions chosen by attendees, with winners named on November 22.
- The Russian Pavilion will be open only during the May 5–8 preview period, and the European Union has pulled about €2 million in support over Russia’s inclusion.
- Organizers say they cannot bar states recognized by Italy and are applying a policy of inclusion that keeps both Russia and Israel eligible for the new public vote.
- This edition also reflects roster shifts, with Tanzania and Seychelles joining for the first time, South Africa stepping back after a legal dispute over a Gaza artwork, and Iran’s pavilion previously listed without artists under commissioner Aydin Mahdizadeh Tehrani.