September 7, 2019
by Carla Hay
“Joker,” director Todd Phillips’ origin story about the DC Comics villain, was awarded the Golden Lion (the top prize) at the 2019 Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy. “Joker” stars Joaquin Phoenix in the title role. Warner Bros. Pictures will release “Joker” on October 4, 2019. Movie critics have mostly praised “Joker,” which is a dark and violent film that is a departure for Phillips, who was previously known for directing comedies like “The Hangover” movies and “Old School.” The 76th annual Venice International Film Festival took place from August 28 to September 7, 2019.
The Grand Jury Prize (second place) went to “An Officer and a Spy,” directed by Roman Polanski. The Venice Film Festival got considerable criticism for selecting Polanski’s film to be a part of the festival. Polanski has been a fugitive of the law since 1978, when he fled to France after being convicted of raping an underage girl in the Los Angeles area.
Other winners at the 2019 Venice International Film Festival included Luca Marinelli, “Martin Eden” for Best Actor; Ariane Ascaride of “Gloria Mundi” for Best Actress; and “About Endlessness” helmer Roy Andersson for Best Director.
Here is the complete list of winners for the 2019 Venice International Film Festival:
IN COMPETITION
Golden Lion: “Joker,” directed by Todd Phillips
Grand Jury Prize: “An Officer and a Spy,” directed by Roman Polanski
Silver Lion for Best Director: Roy Andersson, “About Endlessness”
Volpi Cup for Best Actress: Ariane Ascaride, “Gloria Mundi”
Volpi Cup for Best Actor: Luca Marinelli, “Martin Eden”
Best Screenplay: “No. 7 Cherry Lane,” written by Yonfan
Special Jury Prize: “The Mafia Is No Longer What It Used to Be,” directed by Franco Maresco
Marcello Mastroianni Award for Young Performer:
HORIZONS (ORIZZONTI)
Best Film: “Atlantis,” directed by Valentyn Vasyanovych
Best Director: Théo Court, “White on White”
Special Jury Prize: “Verdict,” directed by Raymund Ribas Gutierrez
Best Actress: Marta Nieto, “Madre”
Best Actor: Sami Bouajila, “A Son”
Best Screenplay: “Back Home,” directed by Jessica Palud, Philippe Lioret and Diastème
Best Short Film: “Darling,” directed by Saim Sadiq
LION OF THE FUTURE
Luigi De Laurentiis Award for Best Debut Film: “You Will Die at Twenty,” directed by Amjad Abu Alala
VENICE CLASSICS
Best Documentary on Cinema: “Babenco – Alguém Tem Que Ouvir O Coração E Dizer: Parou,” directed by Bárbara Paz
Best Restored Film: “Ecstasy,” directed by Gustav Machatý
VIRTUAL REALITY COMPETITION
Best Virtual Reality: “The Key,” directed by Céline Tricart
Best Virtual Reality Experience: “A Linha,” directed by Ricardo Laganaro
Best Virtual Reality Story: “Daughters of Chibok,” directed by Joel Kachi Benson