Venice Film Festival: Pedro Almodovar wins Golden Lion for “The Room Next Door”

The Venice Film Festival crowned Pedro Almodovar with the prestigious Golden Lion on Saturday, September 7, 2024 for his film The Room Next Door. The feature film, which addresses the sensitive subject of assisted suicide, stars Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore. It is a first for Almodovar, who has marked a new milestone in his career by directing his first American film. In his speech, the 74-year-old Spanish director stressed the importance of the "fundamental right" to choose a dignified end to one's life. "Human beings must be free to live and to die when life is unbearable for them," he said.

Nicole Kidman and Paul Kircher awarded

Nicole Kidman won the Volpi Cup for best actress for her role in Baby girl, an erotic thriller that marks a turning point in her career. Absent at the ceremony, a message was read on her behalf, announcing the death of her mother. "This award is for her," the actress expressed through her words, paying tribute to the one who trained and guided her throughout her life.

Finally, French actor Paul Kircher was awarded the Marcello Mastroianni Prize for Most Promising Actor for his role in Their children after them, an adaptation of Nicolas Mathieu's novel. At 22, Kircher embodies a youth in search of meaning, in a film that explores the challenges and disillusionments of an entire generation.

Alice Leroy