Bong Joon-Ho to Preside Over Venice Film Festival Jury in 2021

South Korean director Bong Joon-Ho has accepted the role of president of the official jury for the 78th Venice International Film Festival, scheduled for September 1–11, 2021, at the Lido di Venezia. The announcement comes after the success of his film Parasite, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020 and grossed over €5.6 million in Italy. The 77th edition of the festival was held in person with strict anti-COVID measures, presenting films such as Gianfranco Rosi's Notturno (Italy's submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar) and Pieces of a Woman, which could earn Vanessa Kirby an Oscar nomination. Bong expressed his honor at being part of the festival's tradition, stating he is ready to admire the selected films. Artistic director Alberto Barbera noted that Bong is one of the most authentic voices in world cinema and that this marks the first time a Korean filmmaker has led the jury. The jury will award the Golden Lion, Silver Lions, Volpi Cups, and other prizes.