"Jim Jarmusch Takes the Golden Lion at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival with ‘Father Mother Sister Brother’"

Venice, Italy — The 82nd Venice International Film Festival wrapped up on September 6, 2025, with the Golden Lion Award for Best Film going to “Father Mother Sister Brother,” directed by Jim Jarmusch. The announcement took place during a ceremony at the historic Sala Grande, where various awards were distributed across numerous categories. The festival, known for showcasing international cinema, celebrated films across several competitions including the Main Competition, Orizzonti, and Immersive categories. The selection was made by a diverse international jury consisting of prominent filmmakers and actors from around the globe. In the main … Read more

Venice Film Festival Jury President Defends Golden Lion Choice Amid Controversy Over Standing Ovation Favorite

Venice, Italy — Alexander Payne, president of the jury at the Venice Film Festival, addressed criticism on Saturday regarding the decision to award the festival’s prestigious Golden Lion to Jim Jarmusch’s film, “Father Mother Sister Brother.” This announcement came as a surprising turn for many, especially since Kaouther Ben Hania’s “The Voice of Hind Rajab” received an enthusiastic 22-minute standing ovation following its debut. During a press conference, Payne shared his thoughts on the inherent challenges of festival judging. “The unfair aspect of being at a festival is having to declare one film superior to … 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

Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion Sparks Debate: Jarmusch’s Win vs. Ben Hania’s Heartfelt Drama

Venice, Italy — The Venice Film Festival concluded with the prestigious Golden Lion for best film awarded to Jim Jarmusch for his work “Father Mother Sister Brother.” Jury president Alexander Payne faced an intense media inquiry regarding the decision, especially since Kaouther Ben Hania’s Gaza drama, “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” garnered a heartfelt 22-minute standing ovation during its premiere and secured the runner-up grand jury prize. At a press conference following the awards ceremony, Payne addressed the inevitable comparisons and expectations surrounding the two films. “The unfair aspect of being part of a festival … Read more