2025 Venice Film Festival Concludes: Jarmusch’s ‘Father Mother Sister Brother’ Claims Golden Lion Amidst Star-Studded Premieres and Political Resonance

The 82nd Venice International Film Festival, a luminous eleven-day celebration of global cinema, has drawn to a close on September 6, 2025. The festival, which ran from August 27 to September 6, once again transformed the historic Lido into a vibrant hub for filmmakers, stars, and industry professionals, showcasing a compelling slate of new films and sparking crucial conversations that will reverberate through the upcoming awards season.

Golden Lion Awarded to Jim Jarmusch

At the closing ceremony, helmed by Italian actress Emanuela Fanelli, Jim Jarmusch’s contemplative family drama “Father Mother Sister Brother” was awarded the prestigious Golden Lion for Best Film. The win was a significant moment, surprising many who had anticipated the honor to go to the critically acclaimed “The Voice of Hind Rajab.” Jarmusch, accepting the award, noted the political undertones of the evening, stating that art can engender empathy, which is the first step toward solving problems.

Major Awards and Notable Performances

Benny Safdie secured the Silver Lion for Best Director for his intense drama “The Smashing Machine,” starring Dwayne Johnson as MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Johnson’s performance has been widely lauded as a dramatic career highlight, positioning him as a potential awards contender. The Silver Lion – Grand Jury Prize was awarded to Kaouther Ben Hania’s powerful documentary “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” a film that garnered a record-breaking 23-minute standing ovation at its premiere and became a focal point for political discourse during the festival. Acting accolades included the Coppa Volpi for Best Actor for Toni Servillo in Paolo Sorrentino’s “La Grazia,” and for Best Actress, the award went to China’s Xin Zhilei for her role in Cai Shangjun’s “The Sun Rises on Us All.” The Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor or Actress was presented to Luna Wedler for “Silent Friend.”

A Galaxy of Stars and Premieres

The festival’s red carpet was ablaze with Hollywood glamour and international talent. Premieres featured an array of acclaimed directors and their casts. Yorgos Lanthimos presented “Bugonia,” starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, drawing attention for its provocative themes. Guillermo del Toro unveiled his dark vision of “Frankenstein,” with Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi in key roles. Kathryn Bigelow’s thriller “A House of Dynamite” and Luca Guadagnino’s “After the Hunt,” starring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, were among the highly anticipated releases. Other notable films included Paolo Sorrentino’s opening night film “La Grazia” and Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly.”

Political Undercurrents and Social Commentary

Beyond the cinematic achievements, the 2025 Venice Film Festival was marked by significant political and social resonance. “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” a profound look at the human cost of conflict in Gaza, not only received critical acclaim but also sparked widespread demonstrations and impassioned speeches from filmmakers and actors, calling for peace and accountability. The festival’s artistic director, Alberto Barbera, acknowledged the importance of these expressions while emphasizing that they should not disrupt the event’s schedule. This blend of urgent storytelling and artist activism underscored the festival’s role as a platform for timely global issues.

Launchpad for Awards Season

The Venice Film Festival continues to be a crucial launchpad for films and performances aiming for awards season glory. While some expected Hollywood players were largely absent from the top awards, the festival has undoubtedly put several films and actors in contention. Beyond Dwayne Johnson, performances from Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Amanda Seyfried in “The Testament of Ann Lee,” and Julia Roberts in “After the Hunt” are generating significant buzz. Documentaries like Gianfranco Rosi’s “Below The Clouds” also gained traction, hinting at potential Oscar nominations.

Industry and Future Outlook

The Venice Film Festival serves as more than just a showcase for finished films; it is a vital marketplace and networking ground. It provides emerging talents with essential exposure, facilitates distribution deals, and fosters new partnerships. The festival’s embrace of innovative technologies through its Venice Immersive program also highlights cinema’s evolving landscape. As the 82nd edition concludes, the films, the conversations, and the performances from Venice 2025 have set the stage for a dynamic and potentially transformative year in filmmaking, influencing new movie releases and future film festival news.