Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar has won the prestigious Golden Lion for Best Film at the 81st Venice Film Festival for his English-language debut, The Room Next Door. The film, which addresses the sensitive issue of assisted suicide, was honoured during the festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday night.
Almodóvar, receiving the award, expressed his views on the film’s topic, stating, “I believe saying goodbye to this world with dignity is a fundamental right for everyone.” He urged religious followers to respect personal decisions regarding assisted suicide, adding, “People should have the freedom to live and die when life becomes unbearable.”
Australian-American actress Nicole Kidman won the Best Actress award for her role in Babygirl, a new-age erotic thriller. French actor Vincent Lindon secured the Best Actor accolade for his performance in The Quiet Son.
Complete List of Awards:
- Golden Lion for Best Film: The Room Next Door, Pedro Almodóvar (Spain)
- Silver Lion – Grand Jury Prize: Vermiglio, Maura Delpero (Italy/France/Belgium)
- Silver Lion for Best Director: The Brutalist, Brady Corbet (UK)
- Volpi Cup for Best Actress: Nicole Kidman, Babygirl (USA)
- Volpi Cup for Best Actor: Vincent Lindon, The Quiet Son (France)
- Best Screenplay: Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega, I’m Still Here (Brazil/France)
- Special Jury Prize: April, Dea Kulumbegashvili (France/Italy/Georgia)
- Marcello Mastroianni Award for Emerging Talent: Paul Kircher, Leurs enfants après eux (France)
Director Sarah Friedland Denounces Israel’s Actions in Gaza
During the ceremony, American-Jewish filmmaker Sarah Friedland used her acceptance speech to denounce Israel’s actions in Gaza. Friedland, who received multiple awards, including Best Director for her film Familiar Touch (USA), stated: “As a Jewish-American artist, I must acknowledge receiving this award on the 336th day of the genocide Israel is committing in Gaza and the 76th year of occupation.”
She called on the global film community to use their platforms to address Israel’s impunity and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian liberation struggle.
