Kim Novak to Receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at Venice 82

The Board of Directors of La Biennale di Venezia, upon recommendation of Artistic Director Alberto Barbera, has awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival (August 27 – September 6, 2025) to American actress Kim Novak, a timeless symbol of elegance, strength, and independence.

Novak responded with heartfelt gratitude: “I am deeply, deeply touched to receive the prestigious Golden Lion Award from such an enormously respected film festival. To be recognized for my body of work at this time in my life is a dream come true. I will treasure every moment I spend in Venice. It will fill my heart with joy”.

An Actress Who Defined an Era

Kim Novak emerged as one of the most compelling and unconventional actresses of Hollywood’s golden age. After being discovered in 1954 and signed by Columbia Pictures, she broke through with Picnic (1955) and quickly became a top box office draw. Her talent and magnetic presence led her to work with many of the era’s greatest directors including Alfred Hitchcock (Vertigo), Billy Wilder (Kiss Me, Stupid), Otto Preminger (The Man with the Golden Arm), and George Sidney (Pal Joey, Jeanne Eagels).

Her defining role came in Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958), where her haunting dual performance as Madeleine and Judy forever etched her into cinema history. The British Film Institute and other institutions hailed the film as the greatest of all time.

Throughout her career, Novak maintained a rebellious and independent spirit. She refused to conform to the studio system’s expectations, fought for equal pay, and became the first woman to start her own production company in 1958. She delivered emotionally deep and complex performances that were often ahead of their time and only later recognized for their groundbreaking honesty.

Beyond the Screen: Art, Activism and Personal Integrity

After choosing to step away from Hollywood, Novak devoted herself to painting, poetry, and animal welfare. Her artworks have been exhibited internationally and are part of the permanent collection at the Butler Institute of American Art. In 2020, she published a book celebrating her life and artistic journey.

She also spoke publicly about her experience with bipolar disorder, using her voice to raise awareness and advocate for mental health. Her home in Oregon became a refuge where she could live close to nature, riding horses and creating freely, far from the pressures of celebrity.

A Festival Highlight: Kim Novak’s Vertigo

On the occasion of the Golden Lion, Venice 82 will also host the world premiere of Kim Novak’s Vertigo, a documentary by Alexandre O. Philippe created in exclusive collaboration with the actress. The film promises an intimate look at Novak’s life, her craft, and the personal legacy of her collaboration with Hitchcock.

The Legacy Lives On

Alberto Barbera, Artistic Director of the Festival, emphasized her impact: “Kim Novak was one of the most beloved icons of an entire era of Hollywood films. This Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement celebrates a star who was emancipated, a rebel at the heart of Hollywood who illuminated the dreams of movie lovers. ”

Venice 82: Two Lifetime Honors

Alongside Kim Novak, the 82nd Venice Film Festival will also honor legendary German director Werner Herzog with a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.

The 82nd Venice International Film Festival will take place from August 27 to September 6, 2025.