The 81st Venice International Film Festival concluded in spectacular fashion on the sun-soaked Lido island, with the much-anticipated awards ceremony held in the prestigious Sala Grande. The evenings’ crowning moment saw acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar securing the Golden Lion for his latest film, “The Room Next Door”. This film is noteworthy not only as Almodóvar’s 23rd feature but also as his first English-language venture, signaling a poignant milestone in his illustrious career. The win marks Almodóvar’s first Golden Lion, a recognition long overdue for such an influential cinematic voice.
Almodóvar’s Groundbreaking Achievement
Pedro Almodóvar’s career is legendary, filled with vibrant storytelling and complex characters that have captivated audiences for decades. “The Room Next Door” stands out not just for its narrative ingenuity but for its linguistic leap into English, following two recent English-language shorts. Despite Almodóvar’s established acclaim, this Golden Lion is a maiden victory, highlighting the film’s exceptional resonance with the jury, chaired by cinematic luminaries such as Isabelle Huppert and James Gray. Almodóvar’s win was a long-awaited triumph, but the night was not without its share of debate.
Highlights from the Winners’ Circle
Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” won the Silver Lion for Best Director, a decision met with both acclaim and mild controversy. Many critics and festival goers had pegged Corbet’s work, already being hailed as a cinematic masterpiece, for the top honor. However, the jury’s decision to reserve the Golden Lion for Almodóvar left some mixed feelings.
Other major awards included Maura Delpero’s “Vermiglio,” which earned the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize. Meanwhile, the Coppa Volpi for Best Actress went to Nicole Kidman for her role in “Babygirl,” directed by Halina Reijn, and Vincent Lindon took home the Best Actor award for his performance in “The Quiet Son.” The accolade for Best Screenplay was awarded to Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega for their work on “I’m Still Here,” directed by Walter Salles.
Orizzonti Section’s Spotlight
The Orizzonti section, known for its focus on the latest trends in global cinema, also offered noteworthy selections. Bogdan Mureșanu’s “The New Year That Never Came” won Best Film, showcasing a fresh narrative voice. Sarah Friedland’s “Familiar Touch” was a significant winner in this category, securing three awards, including Best Director and Best Actress for Kathleen Chalfant. This charming tale of an elderly woman acclimating to life in a retirement home clearly resonated with the jury and audiences alike.
A Mixed Bag of Reactions
The annual Venice festival always sparks passionate debates, and 2024 was no different. Despite the laudatory wins, some films and performances sparked less enthusiasm. While “April” by Dea Kulumbegashvili received the Special Jury Prize, it clearly wasn’t a favorite for everyone. Likewise, there was considerable anticipation for “Joker 2,” but the film fell short of expectations, unlike its predecessor which had won the Golden Lion five years prior.
Closing Credits
The Venice Film Festival is a barometer of cinematic excellence, often foreshadowing which films will blaze a trail through awards season. With Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door” now enshrined as a Golden Lion winner, its journey through international cinema circuits is just beginning. As the festival wraps up, attention turns to how these films will fare in theaters or on streaming platforms worldwide. Check out the full list of winners and more details from the festival at Biennale’s official site. For fans of great cinema, the 2024 Venice Film Festival has set a high bar, promising an exciting year ahead for filmmakers and audiences alike.
