Woman Unknown scores Golden Lion at Venice as awards spread wide
The 83rd Venice Film Festival wrapped with Danish drama 'Woman Unknown' taking the top prize, The Hollywood Reporter and TheWrap confirm. The Golden Lion winner, directed by May el-Toukhy, centers on a maid in post-WWII Denmark whose past under Nazi occupation complicates her life. Star Mathilde Arcel was awarded the festival's best actress honor for her role.
El-Toukhy, one of only two female directors in the main competition, thanked the jury led by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal had previously called the lack of women in competition a systemic problem, per THR.
John Malkovich won best actor for his role in Martin McDonagh's 'Wild Horse Nine', accepting the award remotely. TheWrap notes his performance has sparked Oscar buzz.
Other major winners included Lee Chang-dong's South Korean drama, which earned the Grand Jury Prize. Ilya Khrzhanovsky's long-gestating epic 'DAU' won the Silver Lion for best director.
The Special Jury Prize went to the documentary 'NAZA' from filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. The film, a late addition to the lineup, examines civilian casualties in Gaza and reportedly received a lengthy standing ovation at its premiere.
