Venice Film Festival : Pedro Almodovar’s ‘The Room Next Door’ Bags Golden Lion

Pedro Almodóvar’s English-language debut, The Room Next Door, has earned the prestigious Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, marking a monumental achievement for the Spanish filmmaker known for his powerful storytelling.

The film, which tackles deep issues like euthanasia and climate change, received a remarkable 18-minute standing ovation during its premiere. This accolade adds to Almodóvar’s celebrated career, which includes an Oscar for All About My Mother. At 74, Almodóvar delivered a heartfelt speech advocating for the right to die with dignity, transcending political or religious boundaries.

In his acceptance speech, Almodóvar thanked his lead actresses, Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, highlighting their contributions to the film’s success. Despite tough competition, The Room Next Door was the frontrunner, standing out for its emotional depth and timely subject matter.

Other notable winners include Maura Delpero, who took the Silver Lion for Best Director for Vermiglio, a drama set during WWII in the Italian Alps. Nicole Kidman won Best Actress for her performance in Babygirl, though she did not attend the ceremony due to the sudden death of her mother. Vincent Lindon claimed the Best Actor prize for his role in The Quiet Son, which examines the influence of far-right extremism on a family.

The festival also awarded Brady Corbet the Best Director for The Brutalist, a visually ambitious epic about a Hungarian Holocaust survivor. The Best Screenplay went to Murilo Hauser and Heitor Lorega for I’m Still Here, a gripping tale set during Brazil’s military dictatorship. The Special Jury Prize was given to Dea Kulumbegashvili for April, a powerful narrative on abortion.

Notably, high-profile films like Joker: Folie à Deux by Todd Phillips and Maria by Pablo Larraín did not secure awards despite their critical acclaim. With the festival marking the beginning of the awards season, these results set a significant tone for upcoming recognitions. Isabelle Huppert led the jury, helping shape this year’s groundbreaking results.