‘The Room Next Door’ by Pedro Almodóvar Conquers Venice
‘The Room Next Door’ by Pedro Almodóvar wins the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. The controversial film about euthanasia sweeps the festival and takes home the statuette. Credit goes to the Spanish director, who received the award from Isabelle Huppert, and to his two extraordinary leading actresses, Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, who skilfully and masterfully tell the story of two friends, one of whom, terminally ill, decides to resort to euthanasia.
The recognition for the Spanish director’s work is the fitting finale to a truly spectacular edition—full of glitz and superstars. It was like an extended Oscars night lasting nearly two weeks, during which Hollywood’s elite and beyond paraded. From Brad Pitt to George Clooney, from Tim Burton to Lady Gaga, from Jude Law to Angelina Jolie, from Joaquin Phoenix to Daniel Craig, and the list could go on forever. Just consider that the winner of the Volpi Cup for Best Actress was a star like Nicole Kidman for the film ‘Babygirl’ by Halina Reijn, while the Volpi Cup for Best Actor went to Vincent Lindon for ‘Jouer avec le feu’ by Delphine and Muriel Coulin.
‘Vermiglio’ by Maura Delpero took home the Silver Lion – Grand Jury Prize, Best Screenplay went to the Brazilian ‘Ainda estou aqui’ by Walter Salles, while the Silver Lion for Best Director was awarded to Brady Corbet for his highly acclaimed film ‘The Brutalist’, inspired by Hungarian Jew László Tóth, starring Adrien Brody.
With the awards ceremony, the curtain falls on the 81st Venice Film Festival and one of the most glamorous red carpets ever. The challenge to the Cannes Film Festival has been made. Sparks are bound to fly…
Cover Photo: courtesy of LaBiennale
Photos: Ludovica Arcero e Elisa Trento
Text: Germano D’Acquisto
