header
                        banner
My City, Entertainment, Movies

'Joker' wins Golden Lion at Venice, Polanski drama is runner-up

Dark drama “Joker” about the origins of the villainous character won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festiv...
By Reuters

Dark drama “Joker” about the origins of the villainous character won the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday, while Roman Polanski’s military drama about France’s notorious Dreyfus affair took the runner-up prize.


Joaquin Phoenix, who won rave reviews at the festival, plays DC Comics superhero Batman’s nemesis, and the story follows his transformation from vulnerable loner to confident villain.


“Joker” distances itself from typical superhero films, with somber lighting and dark music throughout.


Related story

French abortion drama ‘Happening’ tops Venice Film Festival


“I want to thank Warner Bros and DC for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking such a bold swing on me and this movie,” director Todd Phillips said in his acceptance speech, also thanking Phoenix for trusting him with his “insane talent”.


“There is no movie without Joaquin Phoenix ... Joaquin is the fiercest and bravest and most open-minded lion that I know.”


The film was generating awards buzz even before Venice. The festival is considered a launch pad for the awards season, having premiered Oscar winners like “Roma” and “Birdman”.


In a surprise move, Polanski’s “An Officer and a Spy” took the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize.


The French-Polish director, who was expelled from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences last year, did not travel to Venice. His wife Emmanuelle Seigner, who stars in the film, collected the award on his behalf.

Related Stories
My City

Polanski's Dreyfus affair film premieres at Venice...

1 min read
My City

Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland” wins top prize at Venice...

1 min read
Lifestyle

Two Nepali films make it to Venice Film Festival

1 min read
WORLD

4 dead in plane crash off Florida's Gulf Coast

1 min read
My City

Julie Andrews to be presented with Lifetime Achiev...

1 min read