SIC 2025: Awards at the 40th International Critics’ Week

September 5, 2025

Oscar Hudson's STRAIGHT CIRCLE wins the IWONDERFULL Grand Prix for Best Picture

The Settimana Internazionale della Critica (SIC), the parallel section organized by the Italian National Syndicate of Film Critics (SNCCI) as part of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, announced today, Friday, September 5, the winners of its 40th edition.

Straight Circle wins the IWONDERFULL Grand Prize

The IWONDERFULL Grand Prize went to Straight Circle by Oscar Hudson, described by the jury as “a dark comedy that gradually turns into a waking nightmare, a parable against war and a reflection on borders in a fragmented world.”
The film also won the Circolo del Cinema di Verona Award for the most innovative film.

ISH takes the Audience Award

The Audience Award was given to ISH by Imran Perretta, receiving an average score of 4.3/5.

Agon recognized for production

The Luciano Sovena Award for Best Independent Production went to Agon by Giulio Bertelli, celebrated as an example of cinema that combines narrative strength, research, and innovation.

Waking Hours awarded for technical contribution

The Mario Serandrei – Hotel Saturnia Award for Best Technical Contribution went to Waking Hours by Federico Cammarata and Filippo Foscarini, praised for its experimental cinematography that transforms visual matter into abstraction and new human geographies.

Marina wins Best Short Film

In SIC@SIC, the Italian short film section, the Best Short Film Award went to Marina by Paoli De Luca, which also won for Best Technical Contribution.
The jury additionally awarded Best Direction to Festa in Famiglia by Nadir Taji, gave a special mention to El Püti Pèrs by Paolo Baiguera, and the National Short Film Center Award to The PØrnØgraphər by Hariel.

Written by: Federica Scarpa

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SIC 2025: Awards at the 40th International Critics’ Week

Oscar Hudson's STRAIGHT CIRCLE wins the IWONDERFULL Grand Prix for Best Picture