Venice Film Festival: Jim Jarmusch’s "Father Mother Sister Brother" Takes Golden Lion Amid Controversial Jury Decisions and Emotional Highlights

Venice, Italy — The Venice Film Festival celebrated its awards ceremony with mixed emotions as filmmakers and spectators reflected on the diverse array of films showcased this year. Jim Jarmusch’s unique feature, “Father Mother Sister Brother,” received the coveted Golden Lion, a recognition decided by a jury led by director Alexander Payne. Despite receiving only a modest six-minute standing ovation, Jarmusch’s film stood out among competitors. Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine,” starring Dwayne Johnson as a conflicted mixed martial arts fighter, earned the Best Director award, while Paolo Sorrentino’s “La Grazia” garnered the Best Actor … Read more

Venice Film Festival Wraps Up: Jim Jarmusch Clinches Golden Lion Amid Jury Controversy

Venice, Italy — Alexander Payne, the president of the jury at the Venice Film Festival, defended the panel’s selections during Saturday’s closing ceremony press conference, particularly highlighting Jim Jarmusch’s film Father Mother Sister Brother, which won the prestigious Golden Lion. The winning announcement surprised many as expectations ran high for Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, which received a record-setting 23-minute and 40-second ovation during its screening. Ultimately, the Gaza-centered drama was awarded the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize. Several films garnered strong support among the festival favorites, including Park Chan-wook’s black comedy … Read more

Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother” Surprises with Golden Lion Win at 2025 Venice Film Festival as Honors Unfold for Emerging Talent

VENICE, Italy — The 2025 Venice Film Festival wrapped up this weekend, culminating in an award ceremony that showcased a range of cinematic talent. Held on Saturday evening, the event celebrated both the competition and the Orizzonti sections, with an unexpected victory for Jim Jarmusch’s contemplative film, “Father Mother Sister Brother,” which captured the prestigious Golden Lion award. Jarmusch, visibly surprised, expressed his astonishment as he accepted the award on stage. The film distinguished itself among a competitive lineup of more extravagant entries. The Volpi Cup for Best Actor went to Toni Servillo for his … Read more

Amid Political Turmoil, UVA Appoints Paul G. Mahoney as Interim President After Jim Ryan’s Resignation

Charlottesville, Virginia — The University of Virginia has appointed Paul G. Mahoney as interim president following the unexpected resignation of Jim Ryan, who stepped down under pressure from federal authorities regarding the university’s diversity programs. Mahoney, a respected law professor and former dean of the law school, is set to take on his new role on August 11, during a time of significant unrest within the academic institution. Ryan’s resignation was triggered by demands from the U.S. Department of Justice, which asserted that the university had not sufficiently dismantled its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives … Read more