Venice Film Festival: A night of glamour and accolades
As the Venice Film Festival wraps up its 81st edition, the air is thick with anticipation and excitement. Despite the sweltering humidity of the Lido, the festival has managed to maintain its charm and prestige. This year’s competition, featuring 21 titles, may not have had the same breakout hits as previous years, but it still offered a rich tapestry of cinematic excellence.
A shift in the spotlight
This year, the festival seemed to lack the kind of crossover hits that typically kickstart the Oscars race. Unlike last year’s standout, “Poor Things” by Yorgos Lanthimos, this edition didn’t have a clear frontrunner. There was also speculation about whether the jury would lean away from American productions for the Golden Lion. However, Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” emerged as a critical favorite, potentially shifting the narrative.
The jury’s discerning eye
The main jury, led by the esteemed Isabelle Huppert, included filmmakers like James Gray, Andrew Haigh, Agnieszka Holland, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Abderrahmane Sissako, Giuseppe Tornatore, Julia von Heinz, and actress Zhang Ziyi. Their decisions were eagerly awaited, as they had the challenging task of selecting winners from a diverse and competitive lineup.
Main competition winners
- Golden Lion for Best Film:
- Grand Jury Prize:
- Silver Lion for Best Director:
- Special Jury Prize:
- Best Screenplay:
- Volpi Cup for Best Actress:
- Volpi Cup for Best Actor:
- Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor:
Horizons section: A platform for innovation
The Horizons section showcased 19 features and a selection of short films, judged by a jury led by Debra Granik. This section is known for its focus on innovative and cutting-edge cinema.
Horizons winners
- Best Film:
- Best Director:
- Special Jury Prize:
- Best Actress:
- Best Actor:
- Best Screenplay:
- Best Short Film:
Celebrating new voices
The Lion of the Future award, also known as the Luigi de Laurentiis Award, honors the best debut feature, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to gain recognition.
Lion of the Future winner
- Best Debut Feature:
Audience favorites and classics
The Horizons Extra section included an Audience Award, while the Venice Classics section celebrated the best documentary on cinema and the best-restored film.
Horizons Extra winner
- Audience Award:
Venice Classics winners
- Best Documentary on Cinema:
- Best Restored Film:
Immersive experiences
The Venice Immersive section highlighted the best in virtual reality and immersive storytelling, with awards for the Grand Jury Prize, Special Jury Prize, and Achievement Prize.
Venice Immersive winners
- Grand Jury Prize:
- Special Jury Prize:
- Achievement Prize: “Impulse: Playing With Reality,” Barry Gene Murphy, May Abdalla
Giornate degli Autori and Critics’ Week
The Giornate degli Autori and Critics’ Week sections, announced earlier, also celebrated unique and innovative films.
Giornate degli Autori winners
- GdA Director’s Award: “Manas,” Marianna Brennand
- Audience Award: “Taxi Monamour,” Ciro De Caro
- Europa Cinemas Label Award: “Alpha,” Jan-Willem van Ewijk
Critics’ Week winners
- Grand Prize: “Don’t Cry, Butterfly,” Dương Diệu Linh
- Special Mention: “No Sleep Till,” Alexandra Simpson
- Audience Award: “Paul & Paulette Take a Bath,” Jethro Massey
- Verona Film Club Award for Most Innovative Film: “Don’t Cry, Butterfly,” Dương Diệu Linh
- Mario Serandrei – Hotel Saturnia Award for Best Technical Contribution: “Homegrown,” Michael Premo
- Best Short Film: “Things That My Best Friend Lost,” Marta Innocenti
- Best Director (Short Film): “Nero Argento,” Francesco Manzato
- Best Technical Contribution (Short Film): “At Least I Will Be 8 294 400 Pixel,” Marco Talarico
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, the Venice Film Festival remains a beacon of artistic excellence and innovation. Each year, it offers a glimpse into the future of filmmaking, showcasing both established and emerging talents. The festival’s ability to adapt and thrive, even in challenging conditions, is a testament to its enduring legacy.
For those who wish to delve deeper into the films mentioned, here are some trailers and information pages:
The Venice Film Festival continues to be a celebration of the art of cinema, bringing together filmmakers, actors, and audiences from around the world. It’s a place where stories come to life, and dreams are realized, making it an event that is eagerly anticipated year after year.