The 81st Venice International Film Festival is all set to dazzle audiences this year from August 28 to September 7, showcasing the best talents in the film industry. The Orizzonti (Horizons section) jury, which plays a crucial role in recognizing outstanding achievements in international cinema, is composed of esteemed professionals from different parts of the world.
Members of the Orizzonti Jury
The Orizzonti Jury is chaired by the talented American director and screenwriter Debra Granik. Joining her are Iranian writer, director, and producer Ali Asgari, Syrian film director and screenwriter Soudade Kaadan, Greek director, screenwriter, and producer Christos Nikou, Swedish actress and director Tuva Novotny, Hungarian filmmaker Gábor Reisz, and Italian screenwriter and director Valia Santell.
Orizzonti Awards
The Orizzonti Jury is responsible for awarding prestigious prizes such as the Orizzonti Award for Best Film, Orizzonti Award for Best Director, Special Orizzonti Jury Prize, Orizzonti Award for Best Actress, Orizzonti Award for Best Actor, Orizzonti Award for Best Screenplay, and Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film. Each award is a testament to the jury’s discerning taste and appreciation for cinematic excellence.
Another significant jury at the Venice International Film Festival is the international jury of the “Luigi De Laurentiis” Venice Award, also known as the ‘Lion of the Future,’ which recognizes the best debut film. This year, the jury is comprised of Italian film critic Gianni Canova, American writer and director Ricky D’Ambrose, Brazilian director, visual artist, actress, and producer Barbara Paz, Canadian actress and director Taylor Russell, and film festival curator and project market director Jacob Wong.
Luigi De Laurentiis Venice Award
The prestigious Luigi De Laurentiis
award is given to a debut feature-length film selected from the various competitive sections of the festival. The winner receives the Lion of the Future – “Luigi De Laurentiis” Venice Award for a Debut Film, along with a cash prize of $100,000 donated by Filmauro, which is divided equally between the director and the producer of the film. This generous prize serves as a significant boost for emerging talent in the film industry.
The official awards, including those bestowed by the Orizzonti and Luigi De Laurentiis juries, will be announced during the closing ceremony of the 81st Venice International Film Festival. The grand event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 7, on the prestigious stage of the Sala Grande at the Palazzo del Cinema on the Venice Lido. It is a momentous occasion that celebrates the best of international cinema and honors the hard work and dedication of filmmakers from around the world.