Pour Ellen Burstyn, le Lion d'Or de la carrière

Ellen Burstyn has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, known as the Golden Lion, at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, which runs from September 2 to 12. The Biennale announced this honor in a statement, marking the second such award given during the festival's history. Burstyn, who won an Oscar for her role in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore directed by Martin Scorsese, will receive the accolade during the screening of a short film directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, president of the international jury for the 83rd edition of the festival. The film, titled Flesh Impact, features Burstyn in a role dedicated to Marilyn Monroe, and will be presented alongside the premiere of the short. In accepting the honor, Burstyn expressed her excitement, saying she would have the opportunity to travel to one of her favorite cities in the world while returning home with a Golden Lion. She described feeling deeply honored, happy, and grateful for the recognition. Alberto Barbera, director of the Venice Film Festival, praised Burstyn’s contributions to cinema over more than fifty years. He highlighted her ability to bring depth and complexity to unforgettable female characters, reflecting the contradictions and transformations of contemporary women. He noted her breakthrough performance in Last Days of Maria Callas by Peter Bogdanovich and her iconic role in The Exorcist by William Friedkin, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. This film was recognized as a manifesto on the reclamation of identity and freedom for women. Throughout her career, Burstyn has worked with some of the most influential directors of her time, including Alain Resnais in Providence, Paul Schrader in Hardcore, Bob Rafelson in The King of Marvin Gardens, Paul Mazurski in The World of Alex and Harry and Tonto, Darren Aronofsky in Requiem for a Dream, and Christopher Nolan in Interstellar, among many others. With over 150 films to her name, Burstyn has served as president of the Actors Studio, using fragility and methodical discipline as tools for emotionally truthful acting rooted in listening and generosity toward her characters. Her artistry, capable of illuminating daily pain and resilience with dignity, irony, and courage, continues to serve as an absolute model of interpretive authenticity and civil commitment within the craft of acting. The Golden Lion will be presented to Ellen Burstyn during the screening of Flesh Impact, a short film directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. The film is dedicated to Marilyn Monroe on the centenary of her birth and includes performances by Dakota Johnson, Peter Sarsgaard, and Sepideh Moafi. Johnson portrays Marilyn at the height of her fame, while Burstyn plays a version of Monroe that the world has never had the chance to see. The title Flesh Impact comes from an expression once used to describe Monroe’s screen presence, appearing so real and luminous that viewers felt they could touch her. The film will be shown as part of the festival program, offering audiences another glimpse into Burstyn’s extraordinary range as an actress. The festival has already announced George Clooney as the recipient of the previous Golden Lion for lifetime achievement. The presentation of these awards underscores the festival’s tradition of honoring cinematic excellence and legacy through its prestigious honors. The short film Flesh Impact will feature a diverse cast and is expected to draw attention for both its subject matter and the involvement of notable figures in its production. The film’s release coincides with the celebration of Monroe’s centenary, adding historical significance to its debut. The festival’s programming often highlights thematic connections and cultural relevance, making this particular selection noteworthy. The announcement of Burstyn’s award follows a series of high-profile recognitions at the festival, reinforcing its role as a platform for celebrating both emerging talent and established icons in the film industry. The inclusion of Flesh Impact in the lineup suggests a focus on exploring complex themes related to fame, identity, and legacy through innovative storytelling formats. The film’s director, Maggie Gyllenhaal, has previously garnered critical acclaim for her work in both film and television. Her direction of Flesh Impact marks a new venture into filmmaking, showcasing her versatility beyond acting. The collaboration between Gyllenhaal and Burstyn brings together two accomplished artists, each with a deep understanding of character development and emotional nuance. As the festival approaches, anticipation builds around the screenings and events planned for the coming weeks. The inclusion of Flesh Impact in the schedule ensures that the film will be a focal point of discussion and analysis among critics and attendees alike. The festival’s reputation for curating thought-provoking content positions this short film as a potential highlight of the event.