The 81st Venice International Film Festival has recently revealed the lineup for its prestigious international juries for the upcoming event from August 28 to September 7. The Orizzonti (Horizons section) jury, led by American director and screenwriter Debra Granik, boasts a diverse panel of industry experts including Iranian filmmaker Ali Asgari, Syrian director Soudade Kaadan, Greek producer Christos Nikou, Swedish actress Tuva Novotny, Hungarian filmmaker Gábor Reisz, and Italian director Valia Santell.
Orizzonti Jury Awards
The Orizzonti Jury will bestow several coveted accolades, including the Orizzonti Award for Best Film, Best Director, Special Jury Prize, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Screenplay, and Best Short Film. It is emphasized that joint awards will not be permitted, ensuring that each recognized piece of work receives the individual merit it deserves.
Furthermore, the international jury for the “Luigi De Laurentiis” Venice Award, also known as the “Lion of the Future” for a Debut Film, has been curated with great care. Led by Italian film critic Gianni Canova, the jury includes American writer and director Ricky D’Ambrose, Brazilian multi-talented artist Barbara Paz, Canadian actress Taylor Russell, and film festival curator Jacob Wong.
The esteemed Jury of the Venice Award for a Debut Film will have the responsibility of awarding the Lion of the Future – “Luigi De Laurentiis” Venice Award for a Debut Film. This award, endowed with a $100,000 cash prize courtesy of Filmauro, will be divided equally between the director and the producer of the selected debut film. No shared awards will be issued, ensuring that the financial reward is allocated appropriately.
Award Announcement and Ceremony
As the anticipation for the 81st Venice International Film Festival builds, all official awards, including those from the Orizzonti and Luigi De Laurentiis Venice Award juries, will be announced during the closing ceremony of the event on Saturday, September 7. The ceremony will take place on the grand stage of the Sala Grande at the Palazzo del Cinema on the Venice Lido, marking the culmination of the prestigious festival.