After a notably quieter 2023 edition, which was marred by industry strikes and disruptions, the 81st Venice Film Festival made a spectacular comeback, filled with stars, headlines, and a fittingly glamorous atmosphere. This year’s festival marked a triumphant return to form for the world’s oldest cinematic showcase, attracting countless Oscar-winning actors and celebrated filmmakers. The Lido was flooded with prominent figures such as Nicole Kidman, Adrien Brody, Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie, Tilda Swinton, and Julianne Moore, alongside Golden Lion-winning directors like Todd Phillips and Alfonso Cuarón, all vying for a chance at this year’s top prizes.

On the much-anticipated opening night, screen legend Sigourney Weaver was honored with the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. This award recognized her impressive body of work spanning over the last half a century, which includes iconic films such as Alien, Working Girl, Gorillas in the Mist, and Avatar. Weaver’s contributions to cinema have left an indelible mark, and her recognition at the festival was a testament to her enduring legacy in the film industry.

Meanwhile, the formidable Australian filmmaker Peter Weir, known for helming cult classics such as Picnic at Hanging Rock, Dead Poets Society, and The Truman Show, also received a significant accolade, taking home the equivalent prize for directing. Weir’s films have captivated audiences for decades, and his recognition at the festival further solidified his status as a cinematic icon.

As for the festival’s most prestigious awards, they included a range of honors from the Golden above Lion to the second and third-place jury prizes, the Silver Lion for directing, the Volpi Cups for best actor and actress, the Golden Osella prize for best screenplay, and the Marcello Mastroianni award for most promising newcomer. Isabelle Huppert, the president of this year’s jury, expressed her enthusiasm for the state of cinema, stating, “I have good news for you: cinema is in great shape.” Her words resonated with the audience, highlighting the vibrancy and creativity in the films showcased at the festival.

In her speech at the closing ceremony, Huppert went on to praise her fellow jurors, a distinguished group that included directors James Gray, Andrew Haigh, and Agnieszka Holland, as well as the talented actor Zhang Ziyi. She reflected on the collective experience of the jury, saying, “We thought about our past, we thought about our present, and we thought about our future—all those windows to the world were wide open, and all we saw was invention, creativity, care, and concern.” Huppert’s heartfelt acknowledgment of her jury’s dedication and insight underscored the collaborative spirit that permeated the festival. “So I want to thank my wonderful and perceptive jury for sharing these great moments with me with passion and conviction,” she concluded, emphasizing the importance of their shared journey through the films.

The night’s headline news was the awarding of the Golden Lion to The Room Next Door, a film that marked Pedro Almodóvar’s first venture into the English language. This highly anticipated film featured standout performances from stars Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, both of whom brought depth and nuance to their roles. Their performances were widely praised, contributing to the film’s overall impact and success at the festival. Equally noteworthy was the awarding of the Volpi Cup for best actress to Nicole Kidman for her fearless performance in Babygirl, a role that has all but confirmed her ascendance into the Oscar race. Kidman’s portrayal resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, showcasing her remarkable talent and versatility as an actress. In an emotional speech delivered by her director Halina Reijn, Kidman shared that she had traveled home to Australia after the death of her mother earlier that week, which prevented her from accepting her award in person. Her heartfelt words and the circumstances surrounding her absence added a poignant layer to the evening’s celebrations.

Overall, the 81st Venice Film Festival not only celebrated the achievements of filmmakers and actors but also reaffirmed the enduring power of cinema to inspire, provoke thought, and connect people across the globe. The festival’s return to its glamorous roots was a reminder of the magic that film can bring to audiences, and it set the stage for an exciting awards season ahead.

Meanwhile, the talented Georgian filmmaker Déa Kulumbegashvili, who gained significant attention with her breakout film April—a unique and sideways take on the conventional abortion drama narrative—was honored with a special jury prize for her remarkable work. Critics have showered April with glowing reviews, praising its fresh perspective and emotional depth, which resonated with audiences and industry professionals alike. This recognition highlights the growing importance of diverse voices in cinema, particularly those that challenge traditional storytelling methods.

In a notable moment of the festival, Brady Corbet received the prestigious best director prize for his breakout festival hit The Brutalist. This film, which captivated viewers with its compelling narrative and strong performances, was widely predicted to take home the coveted Golden Lion before Almodóvar’s unexpected victory. Corbet’s direction has been lauded for its innovative approach and ability to engage audiences on multiple levels, showcasing his talent as a filmmaker to watch in the coming years.

Given Venice’s impressive track record for predicting the names that will dominate the awards season—of the past ten best picture Academy Award winners, four have premiered on the Lido—the journey of the festival’s most-acclaimed films is only just beginning. The buzz surrounding these films is palpable, and as they prepare for the upcoming awards season, industry insiders and audiences alike are eager to see how they will perform in the competitive landscape of film. Below, find the complete list of winners from this year’s festival—and prepare to see them gearing up their campaigns as we slowly approach the 2025 Oscar race.

Winners at the 2024 Venice Film Festival

Golden Lion: The Room Next Door (Pedro Almodóvar)
Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize: Vermiglio (Maura Delpero)
Silver Lion for Best Director: Brady Corbet, The Brutalist
Special Jury Prize: April (Déa Kulumbegashvili)
Best Screenplay: Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega, I’m Still Here
Best Actress: Nicole Kidman, Babygirl
Best Actor: Vincent Lindon, The Quiet Son
Marcello Mastroianni Best Young Actor Award: Paul Kirscher, And Their Children After Them
Orizzonti Best Film: The New Year that Never Came (Bodgan Muresanu)
Orizzonti Best Director: Familiar Touch (Sarah Friedland)
Orizzonti Special Jury Prize: One of Those Days When Hemme Dies (Murat Firatoğlu)
Orizzonti Best Actress: Kathleen Chalfant, Familiar Touch
Orizzonti Best Actor: Francesco Gheghi, Familia
Orizzonti Best Screenplay: Happy Holidays (Scandar Copti)
Orizzonti Best Short Film: Who Loves the Sun (Arshia Shakiba)
Lion of the Future Award for a Debut Film: Familiar Touch (Sarah Friedland)
Orizzonti Extra Audience Award: Shahed (The Witness) (Nader Saeivar)
Venice Classics — Best Documentary: Chain Reactions (Alexandre O. Phillipe)
Venice Classics — Best Restored Film: Ecce Bombo (Nanni Moretti)
Venice Immersive Grand Prize: Ito Meikū (Boris Labbé)
Venice Immersive Achievement Prize: Impulse, Playing with Reality (Barry Gene Murphy, May Abdalla)