“Poor Things,” an empowering film set in Victorian times, was awarded the Golden Lion at the 80th Venice Film Festival. The festival was lacking Hollywood glamour due to the ongoing strikes by writers and actors.
Emma Stone, who starred in the film, was also a producer but was not present at the festival. Director Yorgos Lanthimos credited Stone for the existence of the film, stating, “This film is her, in front and behind the camera.”
“Poor Things” is based on Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel of the same name. The story follows Bella Baxter, who is brought back to life by a scientist and embarks on unconventional adventures, free from the societal judgments of the era.
Two films that shed light on Europe’s migration policies were also recognized at the festival. Matteo Garrone’s “Io Capitano” won the award for best director, while Seydou Sarr, the young star of the film, won best young actor. The film depicts the journey of two young boys from Dakar, Senegal, to Europe, crossing the Mediterranean.
Agnieszka Holland’s “Green Border,” which explores Europe’s migration crisis on the Polish-Belarus border, received the Special Jury Prize.
Peter Sarsgaard won best actor for his role in “Memory,” a film about high schoolers reuniting, in which he stars alongside Jessica Chastain. In his acceptance speech, Sarsgaard highlighted the threat that artificial intelligence poses to the industry.
Cailee Spaeny was awarded best actress for her portrayal of Priscilla in Sofia Coppola’s film, “Priscilla,” which offers a glimpse into the private life of Priscilla and Elvis Presley.
The jury, headed by Damien Chazelle, also included Saleh Bakri, Jane Campion, Mia Hansen-Løve, Gabriele Mainetti, Martin McDonagh, Santiago Mitre, Laura Poitras, and Shu Qi.
