<p>Benedict Cumberbatch-Kirsten Dunst starring ‘The Power of the Dog’ has won big at the recently concluded Venice Film Festival 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
The film's new teaser sees <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-benedict-cumberbatch-on-doctor-strange-2-director-change-i-was-sad-412136">Cumberbatch</a> donning cowboy hats and boots, riding horses and taking on the role of a menacing man who specializes in blowing out a haunting whistle.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-venice-film-festival-john-arcilla-wins-best-actor-for-on-the-job-the-missing-8-412477">Venice Film Festival: John Arcilla wins Best Actor for 'On The Job: The Missing 8'</a></p>

<p><br />
The film is set in 1920 and was filmed in New Zealand last year.</p>

<p><br />
"It is amazing that you managed to make this happen. It is special for us film-makers to be here live with audiences and experience what we dream about," Campion was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-venice-film-festival-penelope-cruz-wins-best-actress-award-412478">Venice Film Festival: Penelope Cruz wins Best Actress award</a></p>

<p><br />
‘The Power of the Dog’ is also a strong contender for this year’s Oscar nominations, reports say.&nbsp;</p>


Benedict Cumberbatch-Kirsten Dunst starring ‘The Power of the Dog’ has won big at the recently concluded Venice Film Festival 2021. The film's new teaser sees Cumberbatch donning cowboy hats and boots, riding horses and taking on the role of a menacing man who specializes in blowing out a haunting whistle.

Benedict Cumberbatch-Kirsten Dunst starring ‘The Power of the Dog’ has won big at the recently concluded Venice Film Festival 2021. The film's new teaser sees Cumberbatch donning cowboy hats and boots, riding horses and taking on the role of a menacing man who specializes in blowing out a haunting whistle. Also read: Venice Film Festival: John Arcilla wins Best Actor for 'On The Job: The Missing 8' The film is set in 1920 and was filmed in New Zealand last year. "It is amazing that you managed to make this happen. It is special for us film-makers to be here live with audiences and experience what we dream about," Campion was quoted as saying. Also read: Venice Film Festival: Penelope Cruz wins Best Actress award ‘The Power of the Dog’ is also a strong contender for this year’s Oscar nominations, reports say.

Venice Film Festival: Jane Campion wins Best Director award

<p>Actor John Arcilla took home the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/venice-film-awards-race-wide-open-after-star-studded-festival-412258">Venice Film Festival 2021</a> for his role in the movie 'On The Job: The Missing 8'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
Arcilla essayed the role of Sisoy Salas in the film that was directed by Erik Matti, who went on stage to receive the award on his behalf.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-venice-film-festival-happening-french-abortion-drama-wins-the-golden-lion-412473">Venice Film Festival: 'Happening', French abortion drama, wins the Golden Lion</a></p>

<p>Arcilla, who was not present at the venue to receive his award in person, uploaded his virtual acceptance speech on Instagram. "If there’s one thing I regret tonight is, I will not be able to see my picture there, kissing my own Volpi Cup, just like the other 77 actors who received their most prestigious award."</p>

<p><br />
"I know for a fact that we came from different countries, different continents with different cultures, colors, creeds, or languages. But I can feel the oneness, this tremendous oneness and understanding. I know that we can understand each other despite our differences and it’s because of the arts – the arts of cinema," he concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTs8pPdJANr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTs8pPdJANr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTs8pPdJANr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTs8pPdJANr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by JOHN ARCILLA Official (@johnarcilla)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In his caption, Arcilla wrote that the Volpi Cup is 'a symbol of milestone' in his career as an artiste. "This most prestigious award I received today lift up my spirit to the Heavens and I am transforming this joy, achievement or victory or honor into love so that the loved ones I am missing can feel my heart loving them," he wrote.&nbsp;</p>


Actor John Arcilla took home the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival 2021 for his role in the movie 'On The Job: The Missing 8'. Arcilla essayed the role of Sisoy Salas in the film that was directed by Erik Matti, who went on stage to receive the award on his behalf.

Actor John Arcilla took home the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival 2021 for his role in the movie 'On The Job: The Missing 8'. Arcilla essayed the role of Sisoy Salas in the film that was directed by Erik Matti, who went on stage to receive the award on his behalf. Also read: Venice Film Festival: 'Happening', French abortion drama, wins the Golden Lion Arcilla, who was not present at the venue to receive his award in person, uploaded his virtual acceptance speech on Instagram. "If there’s one thing I regret tonight is, I will not be able to see my picture there, kissing my own Volpi Cup, just like the other 77 actors who received their most prestigious award." "I know for a fact that we came from different countries, different continents with different cultures, colors, creeds, or languages. But I can feel the oneness, this tremendous oneness and understanding. I know that we can understand each other despite our differences and it’s because of the arts – the arts of cinema," he concluded. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JOHN ARCILLA Official (@johnarcilla) × In his caption, Arcilla wrote that the Volpi Cup is 'a symbol of milestone' in his career as an artiste. "This most prestigious award I received today lift up my spirit to the Heavens and I am transforming this joy, achievement or victory or honor into love so that the loved ones I am missing can feel my heart loving them," he wrote.

Venice Film Festival: John Arcilla wins Best Actor for 'On The Job: The Missing 8'

<p>'Nomadland', a U.S. movie about a community of van dwellers traversing the vast American West, won the Golden Lion award for best film at the Venice film festival on Saturday. The film, by U.S.-based Chinese director Chloe Zhao, stars Frances McDormand as a widow in her 60s in a depressed Nevada mining town who turns her van into a mobile home and sets out on the road, taking on seasonal jobs along the way.<br />
<br />
The festival on the Lido waterfront was the first such event to go ahead in front of live audiences since the COVID-19 pandemic all but shut down the world of showbiz. "Thank you so much for letting us come to your festival in this weird, weird, weird world and way," McDormand said in a video message with Zhao.<br />
<br />
The jury led by Australian actress Cate Blanchett gave two runner-up Silver Lion awards, one to Mexican director Michel Franco`s thriller 'New Order'&nbsp;and the other to Japanese historic drama 'Wife of a Spy', by Kiyoshi Kurosawa.<br />
<br />
Veteran Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky was also awarded a special jury prize for 'Dear Comrades!', a film about the 1962 massacre of striking workers in Novocherkassk which had been tipped as a front-runner for the top prize.<br />
<br />
British actress Vanessa Kirby, who was in Venice with two films, won the best actress award for her performance as a woman reeling from the grief of losing her newborn daughter during a home birth in 'Pieces of a Woman'.<br />
<br />
The best actor prize went to Italy's Pierfrancesco Favino. A strict safety protocol was put in place for the festival, including the wearing of face masks when watching films and leaving about half the seats in theatres empty.<br />
<br />
Due to travel restrictions, few Hollywood celebrities made the trip to the world's oldest film festival, which is regarded as a showcase for Oscar contenders as awards season approaches. Many winners did not attend the awards ceremony on Saturday night, and those who did only pulled down their masks for their thank-you speech.<br />
<br />
Still, festival director Alberto Barbera said he was fully satisfied with the result, adding the event had met its goal of having about 50% of its usual public of cinema fans, accredited media, film critics and industry officials.<br />
<br />
Blanchett said the awards had been decided after "healthy and robust discussions" and praised the organisation of the festival given the circumstances."After a day or two it was seamless ... good discussion is good discussion with a mask or not," she told the closing press conference.</p>


'Nomadland', a U.S. movie about a community of van dwellers traversing the vast American West, won the Golden Lion award for best film at the Venice film festival on Saturday.

'Nomadland', a U.S. movie about a community of van dwellers traversing the vast American West, won the Golden Lion award for best film at the Venice film festival on Saturday. The film, by U.S.-based Chinese director Chloe Zhao, stars Frances McDormand as a widow in her 60s in a depressed Nevada mining town who turns her van into a mobile home and sets out on the road, taking on seasonal jobs along the way. The festival on the Lido waterfront was the first such event to go ahead in front of live audiences since the COVID-19 pandemic all but shut down the world of showbiz. "Thank you so much for letting us come to your festival in this weird, weird, weird world and way," McDormand said in a video message with Zhao. The jury led by Australian actress Cate Blanchett gave two runner-up Silver Lion awards, one to Mexican director Michel Franco`s thriller 'New Order' and the other to Japanese historic drama 'Wife of a Spy', by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. Veteran Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky was also awarded a special jury prize for 'Dear Comrades!', a film about the 1962 massacre of striking workers in Novocherkassk which had been tipped as a front-runner for the top prize. British actress Vanessa Kirby, who was in Venice with two films, won the best actress award for her performance as a woman reeling from the grief of losing her newborn daughter during a home birth in 'Pieces of a Woman'. The best actor prize went to Italy's Pierfrancesco Favino. A strict safety protocol was put in place for the festival, including the wearing of face masks when watching films and leaving about half the seats in theatres empty. Due to travel restrictions, few Hollywood celebrities made the trip to the world's oldest film festival, which is regarded as a showcase for Oscar contenders as awards season approaches. Many winners did not attend the awards ceremony on Saturday night, and those who did only pulled down their masks for their thank-you speech. Still, festival director Alberto Barbera said he was fully satisfied with the result, adding the event had met its goal of having about 50% of its usual public of cinema fans, accredited media, film critics and industry officials. Blanchett said the awards had been decided after "healthy and robust discussions" and praised the organisation of the festival given the circumstances."After a day or two it was seamless ... good discussion is good discussion with a mask or not," she told the closing press conference.

'Nomadland' wins the Golden Lion for best film at the Venice Film Festival

<p>It was an eventful night yesterday as Venice Film Festival 2020 kickstarted with not as much glamour like previous years but still something to make us happy!</p>

<p>As the prestigious film festival started, actress Tilda Swinton was given a Golden Lion for career achievement. The British actress paid tribute to cinema as she came to accept the award and also paid a tribute to lost hero Chadwick Boseman, ‘Black Panther’ actor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a moving speech, Tilda paid tribute by saying, "my true motherland" and, closing with a simple "Wakanda Foever".</p>

<p>She said, "Cinema is my happy place, my true motherland. Its fellowship is my heart’s family tree. The names on the list of those awarded this honor, meanwhile, they are the names of my masters. They’re the elders of my tribe. The poets of the language I love above others. I sing their songs in the bath. I’m the punk kid film nut hitching a ride to the station to get to the foothills of the heights of their achievements."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-disciple-to-pieces-of-a-woman-films-chasing-top-prize-at-venice-film-festival-324323" hreflang="en">'The Disciple' to 'Pieces of a Woman': Films chasing top prize at Venice Film Festival</a></p>

<p>She closed her speech with a tribute to Chadwick Boseman who died of colon cancer this week. “Wakanda Forever. Nothing but love,” she said, to a standing ovation.</p>

<p>Venice Film Festival is this year’s first mega award ceremony that has opened its doors for a physical festival with people coming in close contact with one another as the world shut down for months following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-Prince-Harry-and-Meghan-Markle-sign-a-multi-year-production-deal-with-Netflix-in-major-Hollywood-move-324951" hreflang="en">Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sign a multi year production deal with Netflix in major Hollywood move</a></h2>

<p>The festival, which runs through September 12, comes at an important time for the film industry. There are strict safety protocols in place for the attendees as they must wear masks at all times with temperatures being checked before entering screenings and every second seat in the cinemas will be left empty.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sakubai-dolls-house-watch-zee-theatre-teleplays-that-celebrate-womens-stories-324970" hreflang="en">'Sakubai', 'Doll’s House': Watch Zee Theatre teleplays that celebrate women’s stories</a></p>


It was an eventful night yesterday as Venice Film Festival 2020 kickstarted with not as much glamour like previous years but still something to make us happy! As the prestigious film festival started, actress Tilda Swinton was given a Golden Lion for career achievement.

It was an eventful night yesterday as Venice Film Festival 2020 kickstarted with not as much glamour like previous years but still something to make us happy! As the prestigious film festival started, actress Tilda Swinton was given a Golden Lion for career achievement. The British actress paid tribute to cinema as she came to accept the award and also paid a tribute to lost hero Chadwick Boseman, ‘Black Panther’ actor. In a moving speech, Tilda paid tribute by saying, "my true motherland" and, closing with a simple "Wakanda Foever". She said, "Cinema is my happy place, my true motherland. Its fellowship is my heart’s family tree. The names on the list of those awarded this honor, meanwhile, they are the names of my masters. They’re the elders of my tribe. The poets of the language I love above others. I sing their songs in the bath. I’m the punk kid film nut hitching a ride to the station to get to the foothills of the heights of their achievements." 'The Disciple' to 'Pieces of a Woman': Films chasing top prize at Venice Film Festival She closed her speech with a tribute to Chadwick Boseman who died of colon cancer this week. “Wakanda Forever. Nothing but love,” she said, to a standing ovation. Venice Film Festival is this year’s first mega award ceremony that has opened its doors for a physical festival with people coming in close contact with one another as the world shut down for months following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sign a multi year production deal with Netflix in major Hollywood move The festival, which runs through September 12, comes at an important time for the film industry. There are strict safety protocols in place for the attendees as they must wear masks at all times with temperatures being checked before entering screenings and every second seat in the cinemas will be left empty. 'Sakubai', 'Doll’s House': Watch Zee Theatre teleplays that celebrate women’s stories

Venice Film Festival 2020: Tilda Swinton accepts Golden Lion with 'Wakanda Forever'

<p>Dark drama "Joker" about the origins of the villainous character won the Golden Lion award at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/joaquin-phoenix-starrer-joker-gets-eight-minute-standing-ovation-at-venice-film-festival-247145">Venice Film Festival</a> on Saturday, while Roman Polanski's military drama about France's notorious Dreyfus affair took the runner-up prize.</p>

<p>Joaquin Phoenix, who won rave reviews at the festival, plays DC Comics superhero Batman's nemesis, and the story follows his transformation from vulnerable loner to confident villain.</p>

<p>"Joker" distances itself from typical superhero films, with sombre lighting and dark music throughout.</p>

<p>"I want to thank Warner Bros and DC for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking such a bold swing on me and this movie," director Todd Phillips said in his acceptance speech, also thanking Phoenix for trusting him with his "insane talent".</p>

<p>"There is no movie without Joaquin Phoenix ... Joaquin is the fiercest and bravest and most open-minded lion that I know."</p>

<p>The film was generating awards buzz even before Venice. The festival is considered a launch pad for the awards season, having premiered Oscar winners like "Roma" and "Birdman".</p>

<p>In a surprise move, Polanski's "An Officer and a Spy" took the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize.</p>

<p>At a time of #MeToo and with only two female directors out of 21 in the competition line-up, festival organisers had faced criticism for including Polanski's work in the programme due to renewed controversy over his conviction for a sex crime.</p>

<p>They defended the move, saying it was the film, not the man, being judged. Jury member Paolo Virzi told a news conference the judges had solely focused on the movie in their discussions.</p>

<p>Polanski pleaded guilty in 1977 to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl in Los Angeles. He fled the United States in 1978 for fear a deal for leniency with prosecutors would be overruled and he would get a lengthy prison term. Aged 86, he now lives in Europe.</p>

<p>The French-Polish director, who was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last year, did not travel to Venice. His wife Emmanuelle Seigner, who stars in the film, collected the award on his behalf.</p>

<p>"He is very happy and I am convinced this is a very important movie for him, it will give him a lot," she told reporters.</p>

<p>Asked how she felt about those critical of the film's festival inclusion, Seigner told Reuters: "We won, that's the most important thing."</p>

<p><strong>Migrant crisis</strong></p>

<p>Italian actor Luca Marinelli won best actor for his portrayal of a poor, aspiring writer in "Martin Eden". France's Ariane Ascaride won best actress for "Gloria Mundi" in which she plays a mother desperate to help her cash-strapped family.</p>

<p>Both referenced the migrant crisis in their speeches.</p>

<p>"This prize is for all who sleep for eternity at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea," Ascaride said.</p>

<p>Marinelli dedicated his to "the incredible people who are at sea rescuing other humans fleeing unimaginable situations".</p>

<p>Best director went to Sweden's Roy Andersson for "About Endlessness", a mix of short stories of kindness and cruelty.</p>

<p>Italian director Franco Maresca won the Special Jury Prize for satirical documentary film "Mafia Is No Longer What It Used to Be".</p>

<p>Best screenplay went to Chinese filmmaker Yonfan for the animation "No. 7 Cherry Lane", a romance set in 1960s Hong Kong.</p>

<p>"I am really excited ... people always complain that my movies (have a) lack of drama and the writing is not good. Today I got the best script (award)," he said.</p>

<p>"American Skin" by Nate Parker, whose inclusion in the festival was also a talking point, triumphed outside the official competition, taking the Filming Italy Award for Best Film of the Sconfini Section.</p>

<p>Parker's 2016 movie "Birth of a Nation", stumbled after renewed public interest in a 1999 rape charge against the filmmaker, of which he was acquitted.</p>


Dark drama "Joker" about the origins of the villainous character won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday, while Roman Polanski's military drama about France's notorious Dreyfus affair took the runner-up prize.

Dark drama "Joker" about the origins of the villainous character won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday, while Roman Polanski's military drama about France's notorious Dreyfus affair took the runner-up prize. Joaquin Phoenix, who won rave reviews at the festival, plays DC Comics superhero Batman's nemesis, and the story follows his transformation from vulnerable loner to confident villain. "Joker" distances itself from typical superhero films, with sombre lighting and dark music throughout. "I want to thank Warner Bros and DC for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking such a bold swing on me and this movie," director Todd Phillips said in his acceptance speech, also thanking Phoenix for trusting him with his "insane talent". "There is no movie without Joaquin Phoenix ... Joaquin is the fiercest and bravest and most open-minded lion that I know." The film was generating awards buzz even before Venice. The festival is considered a launch pad for the awards season, having premiered Oscar winners like "Roma" and "Birdman". In a surprise move, Polanski's "An Officer and a Spy" took the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize. At a time of #MeToo and with only two female directors out of 21 in the competition line-up, festival organisers had faced criticism for including Polanski's work in the programme due to renewed controversy over his conviction for a sex crime. They defended the move, saying it was the film, not the man, being judged. Jury member Paolo Virzi told a news conference the judges had solely focused on the movie in their discussions. Polanski pleaded guilty in 1977 to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl in Los Angeles. He fled the United States in 1978 for fear a deal for leniency with prosecutors would be overruled and he would get a lengthy prison term. Aged 86, he now lives in Europe. The French-Polish director, who was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last year, did not travel to Venice. His wife Emmanuelle Seigner, who stars in the film, collected the award on his behalf. "He is very happy and I am convinced this is a very important movie for him, it will give him a lot," she told reporters. Asked how she felt about those critical of the film's festival inclusion, Seigner told Reuters: "We won, that's the most important thing." Migrant crisis Italian actor Luca Marinelli won best actor for his portrayal of a poor, aspiring writer in "Martin Eden". France's Ariane Ascaride won best actress for "Gloria Mundi" in which she plays a mother desperate to help her cash-strapped family. Both referenced the migrant crisis in their speeches. "This prize is for all who sleep for eternity at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea," Ascaride said. Marinelli dedicated his to "the incredible people who are at sea rescuing other humans fleeing unimaginable situations". Best director went to Sweden's Roy Andersson for "About Endlessness", a mix of short stories of kindness and cruelty. Italian director Franco Maresca won the Special Jury Prize for satirical documentary film "Mafia Is No Longer What It Used to Be". Best screenplay went to Chinese filmmaker Yonfan for the animation "No. 7 Cherry Lane", a romance set in 1960s Hong Kong. "I am really excited ... people always complain that my movies (have a) lack of drama and the writing is not good. Today I got the best script (award)," he said. "American Skin" by Nate Parker, whose inclusion in the festival was also a talking point, triumphed outside the official competition, taking the Filming Italy Award for Best Film of the Sconfini Section. Parker's 2016 movie "Birth of a Nation", stumbled after renewed public interest in a 1999 rape charge against the filmmaker, of which he was acquitted.

'Joker' wins Golden Lion at Venice, Polanski drama is runner-up

<p>As the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/everything-to-look-forward-to-at-the-venice-film-festival-19615" target="_blank">Venice Film Festival 2017</a> wrapped up, Mexican director&nbsp;Guillermo del Toro&rsquo;s movie &quot;The Shape of Water&quot;&nbsp;emerged as the biggest winner. The movie, a romantic fantasy tale of uncanny attraction between a mute cleaner and a mysterious aquatic creature took home the best prize of the event: The Golden Lion for best film in competition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The movie won over a jury headed by American actress Annette Bening and unlike previous times, the movie was a confirmed winner among the jury as well as the critics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Accepting his award at the function, del Toro was moved with the adulation and support. He said, &quot;I believe in life, I believe in love and I believe in cinema.&quot;</p>

<p>The festival&#39;s second most prestigious honor, the Grand Jury Prize, went to&nbsp;Israeli filmmaker Samuel Maoz for &ldquo;Foxtrot&rdquo;. The movie is his first feature since taking home the Golden Lion for 2009&rsquo;s autobiographical war drama &ldquo;Lebanon.&rdquo; His work is&nbsp;presently one of five films shortlisted to be Israel&rsquo;s official Academy Awards submission.</p>

<p>Best Director award went to Frenchman Xavier Legrand for his first feature &ldquo;Custody,&rdquo; a tough-minded examination of a couple&rsquo;s divorce and its effect on their children. From a separate jury, he also got the Lion of the Future award for best debut feature across the festival&rsquo;s multiple sections.</p>

<p>Kamel El Basha won Best Actor for&nbsp;&ldquo;The Insult,&rdquo; while&nbsp;Charlotte Rampling won Best Actress for&nbsp;Italian director Andrea Pallaoro&rsquo;s oblique character study &ldquo;Hannah.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Also, the Venice Film Festival became the&nbsp;first major film festival to give<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/virtual-reality-to-get-a-big-push-at-venice-film-festival-2017-19611" target="_blank"> separate awards for virtual reality filmmaking</a>, with John Landis presiding over the inaugural VR jury.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>The entire list of winners this year:&nbsp;</h2>

<p><strong>IN COMPETITION</strong></p>

<p>Golden Lion: &ldquo;The Shape of Water,&rdquo; Guillermo del Toro</p>

<p>Grand Jury Prize: &ldquo;Foxtrot,&rdquo; Samuel Maoz</p>

<p>Silver Lion for Best Director: Xavier Legrand, &ldquo;Custody&rdquo;</p>

<p>Volpi Cup for Best Actress: Charlotte Rampling, &ldquo;Hannah&rdquo;</p>

<p>Volpi Cup for Best Actor: Kamel El Basha, &ldquo;The Insult&rdquo;</p>

<p>Best Screenplay: &ldquo;Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,&rdquo; Martin McDonagh</p>

<p>Special Jury Prize: &ldquo;Sweet Country,&rdquo; Warwick Thornton</p>

<p>Marcello Mastroianni Award for Young Performer: Charlie Plummer, &ldquo;Lean on Pete&rdquo;</p>

<p><strong>HORIZONS (ORIZZONTI)</strong></p>

<p>Best Film: &ldquo;Nico, 1988,&rdquo; Susanna Nicchiarelli</p>

<p>Best Director: Vahid Jalilvand, &ldquo;No Date, No Signature&rdquo;</p>

<p>Special Jury Prize: &ldquo;Caniba,&rdquo; Verena Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor</p>

<p>Best Actress: Lyna Khoudri, &ldquo;Les bienheureux&rdquo;</p>

<p>Best Actor: Navid Mohammadzadeh, &ldquo;No Date, No Signature&rdquo;</p>

<p>Best Screenplay: &ldquo;Oblivion Verses,&rdquo; Dominique Wellinski and Rene Ballesteros</p>

<p>Best Short Film: &ldquo;Gros chagrin,&rdquo; C&eacute;line Devaux</p>

<p><strong>LION OF THE FUTURE</strong></p>

<p>Luigi De Laurentiis Award for Best Debut Film: &ldquo;Custody,&rdquo; Xavier Legrand</p>

<p><strong>VENICE CLASSICS</strong></p>

<p>Best Documentary on Cinema: &ldquo;The Prince and the Dybbuk,&rdquo; Elvira Niewiera and Piotr Rosolowski</p>

<p>Best Restored Film: &ldquo;Come and See&rdquo;</p>

<p><strong>VIRTUAL REALITY COMPETITION</strong></p>

<p>Best Virtual Reality: &ldquo;Arden&rsquo;s Wake (Expanded),&rdquo; Eugene Y.K. Chung</p>

<p>Best Virtual Reality Experience: &ldquo;La Camera Isabbiata,&rdquo; Laurie Anderson and Hsin-chien Huang</p>

<p>Best Virtual Reality Story: &ldquo;Bloodless,&rdquo; Gina Kim</p>


The movie is a romantic fantasy tale of uncanny attraction between a mute cleaner and a mysterious aquatic creature

As the Venice Film Festival 2017 wrapped up, Mexican director Guillermo del Toro’s movie "The Shape of Water" emerged as the biggest winner. The movie, a romantic fantasy tale of uncanny attraction between a mute cleaner and a mysterious aquatic creature took home the best prize of the event: The Golden Lion for best film in competition. The movie won over a jury headed by American actress Annette Bening and unlike previous times, the movie was a confirmed winner among the jury as well as the critics. Accepting his award at the function, del Toro was moved with the adulation and support. He said, "I believe in life, I believe in love and I believe in cinema." The festival's second most prestigious honor, the Grand Jury Prize, went to Israeli filmmaker Samuel Maoz for “Foxtrot”. The movie is his first feature since taking home the Golden Lion for 2009’s autobiographical war drama “Lebanon.” His work is presently one of five films shortlisted to be Israel’s official Academy Awards submission. Best Director award went to Frenchman Xavier Legrand for his first feature “Custody,” a tough-minded examination of a couple’s divorce and its effect on their children. From a separate jury, he also got the Lion of the Future award for best debut feature across the festival’s multiple sections. Kamel El Basha won Best Actor for “The Insult,” while Charlotte Rampling won Best Actress for Italian director Andrea Pallaoro’s oblique character study “Hannah.” Also, the Venice Film Festival became the first major film festival to give separate awards for virtual reality filmmaking, with John Landis presiding over the inaugural VR jury. The entire list of winners this year: IN COMPETITION Golden Lion: “The Shape of Water,” Guillermo del Toro Grand Jury Prize: “Foxtrot,” Samuel Maoz Silver Lion for Best Director: Xavier Legrand, “Custody” Volpi Cup for Best Actress: Charlotte Rampling, “Hannah” Volpi Cup for Best Actor: Kamel El Basha, “The Insult” Best Screenplay: “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Martin McDonagh Special Jury Prize: “Sweet Country,” Warwick Thornton Marcello Mastroianni Award for Young Performer: Charlie Plummer, “Lean on Pete” HORIZONS (ORIZZONTI) Best Film: “Nico, 1988,” Susanna Nicchiarelli Best Director: Vahid Jalilvand, “No Date, No Signature” Special Jury Prize: “Caniba,” Verena Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor Best Actress: Lyna Khoudri, “Les bienheureux” Best Actor: Navid Mohammadzadeh, “No Date, No Signature” Best Screenplay: “Oblivion Verses,” Dominique Wellinski and Rene Ballesteros Best Short Film: “Gros chagrin,” Céline Devaux LION OF THE FUTURE Luigi De Laurentiis Award for Best Debut Film: “Custody,” Xavier Legrand VENICE CLASSICS Best Documentary on Cinema: “The Prince and the Dybbuk,” Elvira Niewiera and Piotr Rosolowski Best Restored Film: “Come and See” VIRTUAL REALITY COMPETITION Best Virtual Reality: “Arden’s Wake (Expanded),” Eugene Y.K. Chung Best Virtual Reality Experience: “La Camera Isabbiata,” Laurie Anderson and Hsin-chien Huang Best Virtual Reality Story: “Bloodless,” Gina Kim

'The Shape of Water' wins Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival. The complete list of winners