Venice Film Festival 2021: 'L'Événement' Wins Golden Lion, Sorrentino Takes Grand Jury Prize

The 78th Venice International Film Festival concluded on September 11, 2021, with Audrey Diwan's 'L'Événement' winning the Golden Lion for best film. The film, about abortion, was praised for its courage. Paolo Sorrentino's 'È stata la mano di Dio' won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize, while Jane Campion received the Silver Lion for Best Director. Penélope Cruz won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress for 'Madres Paralelas', and John Arcilla won Best Actor for 'On the Job: The Missing 8'. Maggie Gyllenhaal won Best Screenplay for 'The Lost Daughter', adapted from Elena Ferrante's novel. Filippo Scotti won the Marcello Mastroianni Award for emerging talent for 'È stata la mano di Dio'. The festival, held from September 1 to 11, featured a rich lineup with five Italian films in competition. Jury president Bong Joon-ho opened the event. The closing film was Roberto Andò's 'Il bambino nascosto'. Netflix-backed films won multiple awards, including Sorrentino's and Campion's. The Orizzonti section awarded 'Pilgrims' best film, and the Venice VR competition saw 'Goliath: Playing with Reality' win the Grand Prize.