Venice Film Festival 2025 Winners: Jarmusch’s Quiet Triumph Takes Top Prize

The 82nd Venice International Film Festival concluded on Saturday. Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother” won the coveted Golden Lion for best film. The awards ceremony was held on the Lido di Venezia.

This victory marks a major career milestone for the American independent filmmaker. The festival celebrated a strong year for global cinema.

Top Honors and Surprising Wins

Jarmusch’s film was the night’s unexpected champion. It is a delicate triptych of stories about adult siblings.

The film features an all-star cast including Adam Driver and Cate Blanchett. It beat out the critically acclaimed favorite, “The Voice of Hind Rajab.”

That film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, won the Silver Lion. It tells the harrowing true story of a young Palestinian girl in Gaza.

Ben Hania dedicated her award to rescue workers in the region. According to Reuters, the premiere received a 21-minute standing ovation.

A Showcase of Cinematic Excellence

Other major awards were distributed throughout the evening. Benny Safdie won best director for “The Smashing Machine,” starring Dwayne Johnson.

Chinese actress Xin Zhilei won best actress for “The Sun Rises on Us All.” Italian icon Toni Servillo won best actor for Paolo Sorrentino’s “La Grazia.”

The festival lineup was notably strong this year. It included new works from directors like Yorgos Lanthimos and Guillermo del Toro.

This robust selection signals a vibrant future for artistic filmmaking. It demonstrates the festival’s crucial role in the industry.

Info at your fingertips

What film won the top prize at Venice?

Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother” won the Golden Lion. It is a triptych film exploring family dynamics.

Who won the best director award?

Benny Safdie won best director for “The Smashing Machine.” This is his first solo directorial feature without his brother.

Which film received a historic standing ovation?

“The Voice of Hind Rajab” received a 21-minute standing ovation. It ultimately won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize.

Why is the Venice Film Festival important?

It is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious film festivals. It often launches films into the awards season conversation.