Pro-euthanasia film “The Room Next Door” has secured the prestigious Golden Lion award for best film at the Venice Film Festival. The film, featuring prominent performances by Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore, captivated audiences and judges alike, receiving an impressive 18-minute standing ovation during its premiere.
Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, 74, emphasized the importance of euthanasia in his acceptance speech, stating, “I believe that saying goodbye to this world cleanly and with dignity is a fundamental right of every human being.” The film tells the poignant story of Swinton’s character, a war correspondent battling terminal cancer, who seeks the support of her longtime friend, portrayed by Moore, as she makes the difficult decision to end her life.
Almodovar expressed his intention to highlight the global need for accessible euthanasia, asserting that “it is not a political issue, but a human issue.” He also acknowledged the outstanding contributions of Moore and Swinton, declaring, “This award really belongs to them; it’s a film about two women and the two women are Julianne and Tilda.”
Isabelle Huppert, the jury president, praised the film for addressing vital societal issues with sensitivity and depth, making “The Room Next Door” a significant contender in this awards season.
The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival concluded with an array of international stars gracing the iconic red carpet. Among the notable winners was Nicole Kidman, awarded best actress for her compelling role in “Babygirl,” where she portrays a CEO who risks everything for a romance with a younger intern. Although present for the film’s premiere, Kidman did not attend the awards ceremony due to the passing of her mother, expressing her heartfelt grief in a statement: “My heart is broken… this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me.”
Additionally, France’s Vincent Lindon was honored with the best actor award for “The Quiet Son,” a drama navigating the impacts of extreme-right radicalism on a family. The best director accolade went to American filmmaker Brady Corbet for “The Brutalist,” which follows a Holocaust survivor’s journey to rebuild his life in America.
Despite high expectations, the films “Queer,” featuring Daniel Craig, and the Maria Callas biopic starring Angelina Jolie did not receive awards. The Venice Film Festival notably marks the onset of the competitive awards season.
