The 82nd Venice Film Festival concluded on Saturday, showcasing a dazzling array of films from around the globe. The prestigious Golden Lion for Best Film was awarded to Jim Jarmusch's latest work, “Father Mother Sister Brother”. This drama features an impressive cast, including Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, Mayim Bialik, Tom Waits, and Charlotte Rampling. The film is structured as a triptych, featuring three distinct stories set in different countries: the Northeast U.S., Dublin, and Paris. Each segment delves into the intricate relationships among adult children, their parents, and one another.
In his review for TheWrap, Ben Croll noted that “Father Mother Sister Brother” resonates with the tone of Jarmusch's earlier work, “Coffee and Cigarettes”, stating that this new film feels like a more cohesive experience. Croll described it as being "shot in one contained stretch rather than pieced together from shorts made over a decade." He emphasized that, like any anthology, some vignettes strike deeper than others, with “Mother” standing out as particularly impactful.
The announcement of the Golden Lion was made by jury president Alexander Payne. Prior to the event, there was considerable buzz surrounding Kaouther Ben Hania’s film, “The Voice of Hind Rajab”, which was seen as a frontrunner for the award. However, it ultimately received the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize. The jury, which included prominent figures such as Fernanda Torres, Mohammad Rasoulof, Zhao Tao, Stéphane Brizé, Maura Delpero, and Cristian Mungiu, reportedly had diverse opinions during deliberations.
Croll also reviewed “The Voice of Hind Rajab”, praising the Tunisian filmmaker for her ability to depict the world with "unbearable clarity." He described the film as a hybrid docufiction that contrasts raw audio with meticulously staged reenactments, capturing the harrowing final hours of a six-year-old girl in Gaza. Croll remarked that the film elicited an unprecedented emotional response from the audience, with thunderous applause and tears during its press screening.
Another American filmmaker, Benny Safdie, garnered the Silver Lion for Best Director for his film “The Smashing Machine”, marking his first solo project without his brother Josh. This film features Dwayne Johnson in the role of a mixed martial arts fighter. Additionally, “Below the Clouds”, directed by Italian-American filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi, won the Special Jury Prize.
The festival also honored several other talented filmmakers and actors in the Main Competition. Toni Servillo received the Best Actor award for his performance in “La Grazia” (Italy), while Xin Zhilei was awarded Best Actress for her role in “The Sun Rises on Us All” (China). Gilles Marchand took home the Best Screenplay award for “At Work” (France), and Luna Wedler won Best Young Actress for her performance in the German-French-Hungarian film “Silent Friend”.
Here is the complete list of winners from the 2025 Venice Film Festival:
Main Competition Golden Lion — Best Film: “Father Mother Sister Brother” Silver Lion — Grand Jury Prize: “The Voice of Hind Rajab” Silver Lion — Best Director: Benny Safdie, “The Smashing Machine” Special Jury Prize: “Below the Clouds” by Gianfranco Rosi Best Actor: Toni Servillo for “La Grazia” (Italy) Best Actress: Xin Zhilei for “The Sun Rises on Us All” (China) Best Screenplay: Gilles Marchand for “At Work” (France) Best Young Actress: Luna Wedler for “Silent Friend” (Germany, France, Hungary) Armani Beauty Audience Award: “Calle Málaga” by Maryam Touzani Lion of the Future (Venice Award for Debut Film): “Short Summer” by Nastia KorkiaThe Venice Film Festival continues to be a critical platform for filmmakers and actors, highlighting innovative storytelling and cinematic excellence on a global scale.
