May el-Toukhy's Woman Unknown Wins Golden Lion at 83rd Venice Film Festival
The 83rd Venice Film Festival concluded on Saturday with May el-Toukhy’s post-World War II drama, "Woman Unknown," securing the prestigious Golden Lion award. El-Toukhy was the only woman to have solely directed a film in the main competition category this year.
Set in Denmark during the immediate aftermath of the Nazi occupation, "Woman Unknown" follows the life of Marie, a young nanny and housemaid who is preparing to marry her wealthy, older widower employer. However, her new social status and life are threatened by a secret past intimate relationship with a German soldier, set against the backdrop of post-war anarchy.
Double Victory for Woman Unknown
The film achieved a rare double victory at the festival as its lead star, Mathilde Arcel, won the Best Actress award for her portrayal of Marie. This project marks Arcel's first lead role in a feature film and her first appearance at a film festival.
Accepting the award, an emotional Arcel placed the heavy trophy on the floor while delivering her speech. "This is my first lead role in a movie and my first time at a film festival," Arcel said. "I’m extremely honoured."
Jury Prizes and Major Winners
The Silver Lion grand jury prize, the festival's runner-up award, was presented to South Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong for "Possible Love." The film, which offers a poetic portrait of class and labour, is Lee’s first cinematic release in eight years since his acclaimed 2018 film "Burning."
The Silver Lion for directing was awarded to Ilya Krzhanovsky for "Dau," a project focused on the Soviet physicists who built the atomic bomb. The production of "Dau" spanned more than 20 years. Krzhanovsky, who renounced his Russian citizenship in protest of the war in Ukraine, dedicated his award to Ukrainians, noting that his mother was born in the country.
The jury, led by Maggie Gyllenhaal, announced the winners during a ceremony on Saturday night. Other major awards included:
- Best Actor: John Malkovich for his role in the dark CIA comedy "Wild Horse Nine."
- Best Screenplay: French director Stéphane Brizé for his corporate drama "A Good Little Soldier."
- Marcello Mastroianni Award for Emerging Actor: Malou Khebizi for her role in Cédric Kahn’s "15/18 (A Place to Heal)," set in an adolescent psychiatric ward.
Documentary NAZA Receives Special Jury Prize
The special jury prize was awarded to "NAZA," a harrowing documentary detailing military strategies used in the war in Gaza. Directed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the film was added to the main competition late at the request of the directors and debuted late in the festival schedule.
Filmed in extreme secrecy over three years from the rooftops of Tel Aviv at night, "NAZA" features testimony from 24 Israeli military insiders, including intelligence officers and soldiers. The contributors provide insight into the war in Gaza and what they describe as the systemic killing of Palestinian civilians. Following its premiere, the documentary received a 25-minute standing ovation.
"It is really, really especially important to us that Israelis watch this film," co-director Yuval Abraham stated during the festival.
Wild Horse Nine Generates Strong Response
Director Martin McDonagh's "Wild Horse Nine" also received a warm reception, earning a standing ovation that lasted over 10 minutes. The dark comedy follows two CIA agents traveling to Easter Island shortly before the 1973 military coup in Chile. The performances of its stars, John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, drew significant attention at the premiere.
Malkovich, who was not present at the ceremony due to filming commitments in Montreal, sent a video message to accept his Best Actor prize. "I am humbled to be chosen for this award which has been given to so many wonderful actors," Malkovich said.
McDonagh has a history of success at the Venice Film Festival, having previously premiered "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" and "The Banshees of Inisherin" at the event. He won screenplay awards for both films, while Colin Farrell won an acting prize for the latter.
