The 82nd Venice Film Festival concluded with spectacular wins, marking significant moments in cinema history. Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother” claimed the prestigious Golden Lion, while Annapurna Roy from West Bengal’s Purulia made history by becoming the first Indian woman to win the Best Director Award for “Songs of Forgotten Trees” in the Orizzonti section.
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Venice Film Festival Major Award Winners Overview
The festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday, September 6, 2025, delivered several groundbreaking victories that will shape Oscar conversations and international cinema recognition for months to come.
Complete Winners List
| Award Category | Winner | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Lion (Best Film) | Jim Jarmusch | Father Mother Sister Brother |
| Best Director (Orizzonti) | Annapurna Roy | Songs of Forgotten Trees |
| Best Director (Main Competition) | Benny Safdie | The Smashing Machine |
| Grand Jury Prize | Kaouther Ben Hania | The Voice of Hind Rajab |
| Special Jury Prize | Akio Fujimoto | Lost Land |
| Best Actor | Giacomo Covi | A Year of School |
| Best Actress | Benedetta Porcaroli | The Kidnapping of Arabella |
| Best Screenplay | Ana Cristina Barragán | Hiedra |
Annapurna Roy’s Historic Achievement
Filmmaker Annapurna Roy from West Bengal’s Purulia made history by winning the Best Director Award at the 82nd edition of the Venice Film Festival for her moving drama “Songs of Forgotten Trees.” The film, set in Mumbai, explores an unlikely bond between a part-time sex worker and a corporate employee.
Breaking Barriers in International Cinema
French filmmaker Julia Ducournau (Raw, Titane), president of the jury of the Orizzonti section, announced Annapurna’s name for the coveted award. This recognition places Indian cinema firmly on the global stage and opens doors for more diverse storytelling from the subcontinent.
Key Highlights of Roy’s Win:
- First Indian Woman Director to win at Venice Film Festival
- Orizzonti Section Victory – competitive international category
- Mumbai-based Drama showcasing authentic Indian narratives
- Social Commentary addressing contemporary urban challenges
Jim Jarmusch’s Golden Lion Triumph
Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother” took the top prize, edging out higher-profile contenders in what many considered a surprising but well-deserved victory. The veteran American independent filmmaker’s latest work impressed the international jury with its distinctive storytelling approach.
Why This Win Matters
- Independent Cinema Recognition: Validates auteur filmmaking in festival circuits
- Jarmusch’s Career Milestone: Another major international accolade
- Oscar Implications: Golden Lion winners often receive Academy Award consideration
Benny Safdie’s Directorial Recognition
Benny Safdie won Best Director in the main competition for “The Smashing Machine,” continuing the Safdie Brothers’ reputation for intense, character-driven cinema. This recognition separates the directing duo’s individual achievements while maintaining their collaborative legacy.
International Voices Celebrated
The festival’s winner list showcases remarkable diversity with filmmakers from multiple continents receiving recognition:
Geographic Representation
- North America: Jim Jarmusch (USA), Benny Safdie (USA)
- Asia: Annapurna Roy (India), Akio Fujimoto (Japan)
- Middle East/North Africa: Kaouther Ben Hania (Tunisia)
- South America: Ana Cristina Barragán (Ecuador)
- Europe: Various winners across categories
“Songs of Forgotten Trees”: A Closer Look
Annapurna Roy’s winning film represents contemporary Indian cinema’s evolution toward more nuanced, character-driven narratives. Set against Mumbai’s urban landscape, the story explores themes of connection, survival, and human dignity in modern metropolitan life.
Film’s Significance
- Social Realism: Authentic portrayal of urban Indian experiences
- Character Development: Deep exploration of unlikely relationships
- Cultural Bridge: Accessible to international audiences while maintaining Indian authenticity
Industry Impact and Oscar Implications
Venice Film Festival winners traditionally receive significant awards season momentum. The 82nd Venice Film Festival is wrapping up as juries decide on the awards Saturday, which can provide crucial Oscar boost for participating films.
Awards Season Outlook
- Golden Lion Advantage: “Father Mother Sister Brother” enters Oscar conversation
- International Feature Potential: “Songs of Forgotten Trees” may represent India
- Director Recognition: Both Jarmusch and Roy gain awards season momentum
The Festival’s Global Reach
This year’s Venice Film Festival demonstrated cinema’s power to transcend boundaries, with winning films representing diverse perspectives, storytelling approaches, and cultural backgrounds. The festival’s commitment to international voices ensures continued relevance in global cinema discourse.
Cultural Exchange Through Cinema
- Cross-Cultural Narratives: Films addressing universal human experiences
- Technical Innovation: Diverse approaches to filmmaking craft
- Emerging Markets: Recognition of cinema from developing film industries
Looking Ahead: Awards Season Implications
The Venice wins set the stage for upcoming festivals and awards season campaigns. Both “Father Mother Sister Brother” and “Songs of Forgotten Trees” are positioned for significant international recognition, potentially influencing Academy Award nominations and other prestigious honors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What makes Annapurna Roy’s Venice Film Festival win historically significant?
A: Annapurna Roy from West Bengal’s Purulia became the first Indian woman director to win the Best Director Award at Venice Film Festival. Her victory in the competitive Orizzonti section for “Songs of Forgotten Trees” represents a breakthrough moment for Indian cinema on the international stage, opening doors for more diverse storytelling from the subcontinent and inspiring future generations of Indian filmmakers.
Q2: How do Venice Film Festival wins typically impact Oscar chances for the winning films?
A: Venice Film Festival winners traditionally receive significant awards season momentum, as the festival serves as a crucial launching pad for Oscar campaigns. Jim Jarmusch’s Golden Lion win for “Father Mother Sister Brother” positions it strongly for Academy Award consideration, while Annapurna Roy’s “Songs of Forgotten Trees” may represent India in the International Feature Film category, giving both films enhanced visibility during the competitive awards season.
