ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Vanessa Kirby Wins Volpi Cup for Best Actress at Venice for 'Pieces of a Woman'

award · 2026-04-27

Vanessa Kirby won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 77th Venice International Film Festival for her role in 'Pieces of a Woman', directed by Kornél Mundruczó. The film, written by Kata Wéber, premiered in competition without distribution, but Netflix acquired it shortly after. The story follows a couple, Martha (Kirby) and Sean (Shia LaBeouf), whose home birth ends in tragedy. The narrative spans seven months, exploring grief and a subsequent lawsuit against the midwife. Mundruczó, known for 'White Dog' (2014), shifts from political allegory to intimate family drama. Kirby, previously recognized for playing Princess Margaret in 'The Crown', delivers a performance described as extraordinary.

Key facts

  • Vanessa Kirby won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 77th Venice International Film Festival.
  • The film 'Pieces of a Woman' premiered in competition at Venice without distribution.
  • Netflix acquired the film shortly after the festival.
  • The film is directed by Kornél Mundruczó, his first English-language feature.
  • The screenplay is written by Kata Wéber, Mundruczó's partner.
  • The film stars Vanessa Kirby as Martha and Shia LaBeouf as Sean.
  • The story follows a couple dealing with the loss of their newborn after a home birth.
  • The narrative spans seven months and includes a lawsuit against the midwife.

Entities

Artists

  • Vanessa Kirby
  • Kornél Mundruczó
  • Kata Wéber
  • Shia LaBeouf
  • Margherita Bordino

Institutions

  • Netflix
  • Venice International Film Festival
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Venice
  • Italy

Sources