Venice Film Festival 2025: Surprises and Highlights from the Red Carpet

The 82nd Venice Film Festival concluded on September 16, 2025, leaving a trail of discussions about the films, fashion, and potential Oscar contenders. The festival showcased a diverse selection of international cinema, with awards highlighting emerging talent and fresh narratives.

A Surprising Golden Lion Winner

Jim Jarmusch’s understated film, “Father Mother Sister Brother,” captured the top honor, the Golden Lion, in a surprising turn of events. Many had anticipated the award would go to “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which instead received the runner-up award. The festival also celebrated Benny Safdie, who won Best Director for “The Smashing Machine.” Hollywood productions were notably absent from the winners’ list, as a variety of international entries took center stage.

In the acting categories, Xin Zhilei was awarded Best Actress for her performance in Cai Shangjun’s “The Sun Rises on Us All.” Toni Servillo won Best Actor for “La Grazia,” while Luna Wedler received the Marcello Mastroianni Award for her role in “Silent Friend,” showcasing the festival’s commitment to recognizing global talent.

Oscar Buzz and Emerging Talent

While the festival did not explicitly indicate future Oscar nominees, it has historically been a launchpad for actors seeking recognition. This year, Dwayne Johnson stands out for his compelling portrayal of MMA fighter Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine.” His performance has already sparked discussions surrounding potential Oscar nominations.

Other noteworthy performances included Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons in Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Bugonia,” where the duo explored themes of kidnapping in a captivating manner. Oscar Isaac took on the role of Victor Frankenstein, while Julia Roberts portrayed a Yale professor embroiled in a misconduct allegation in “After the Hunt.” Notable filmmakers such as Kathryn Bigelow and past Golden Lion winners like Guillermo del Toro also remain in the conversation for future accolades.

Seth Rogen’s Unlikely Presence and Fashion Highlights

Seth Rogen made an unexpected appearance throughout the festival, attending red carpets and press events without being tied to a specific film. His visibility has led to speculation about a possible Venice-themed episode of his series “The Studio,” indicating that his trip served multiple purposes, including research.

In a light-hearted moment, Amanda Seyfried playfully requested on Julia Roberts’ Instagram to wear the same outfit, leading to Seyfried donning a similar Versace ensemble days later. Their shared stylist, Elizabeth Stewart, played a role in this fashion camaraderie.

Record Standing Ovations and Political Themes

The festival also set a new record for standing ovations, with audiences applauding for an impressive 22 minutes following the premiere of “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” surpassing the previous year’s record. Other films that garnered notable ovations included “After the Hunt” and “Bugonia,” with applause lasting between five to fifteen minutes.

While the festival’s programming did not take explicit political stances, it featured films that reflect critical global issues. Kathryn Bigelow addressed the dangers of nuclear weapons in her thriller “A House of Dynamite.” Kaouther Ben Hania presented a poignant documentary on the Gaza conflict, while Olivier Assayas explored Vladimir Putin’s rise in “The Wizard of the Kremlin.” These films sparked conversations around pressing global concerns, with protests related to Gaza drawing significant attention outside the festival venues.

Memorable Quotes from the Festival

The festival also provided a platform for impactful quotes from its participants:

“The real monsters are the men in suits.” — Jacob Elordi, reflecting on his role as Frankenstein’s monster.

“Humanity is facing a reckoning very soon. People need to choose the right path, otherwise, I don’t know how much time we have.” — Yorgos Lanthimos on the relevance of “Bugonia.”

As the conversations continue, the Venice Film Festival remains a pivotal event in the film industry calendar, shaping the narrative for the awards season ahead. For further insights and updates, visit [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/hub/venice-film-festival).