Werner Herzog to Be Honored at Venice Film Festival With Golden Lion for Career Achievement

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I’m proud to announce that I, as a follower in the realm of cinema, will be graced with the 2025 Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival – an honor bestowed upon the groundbreaking German director, Werner Herzog. Known for his innovative works such as “Aguirre, the Wrath of God,” “Fitzcarraldo,” and “Nosferatu the Vampyre,” I look forward to celebrating his significant contributions to the world of film.

Herzog expressed profound gratitude upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement Honorary Golden Lion from the Venice Biennale. He’s been striving to serve as a faithful cinematic soldier all along, and this award seems like a recognition of his efforts. He simply wanted to say thank you.

“However,” Herzog went on to note, “I have not gone into retirement.”

I’ve been consistently working. Recently, I completed a documentary titled ‘Ghost Elephants’ in Africa. Currently, I’m filming my next project, ‘Bucking Fastard,’ in Ireland. I’m also working on an animated movie based on my novel, ‘The Twilight World.’ Additionally, I’ll be lending my voice to a creature in Bong Joon Ho’s upcoming animated production. I’ve got plenty more on my plate.

The artistic director of Venice, Alberto Barbera, described the filmmaker as someone who is physically adventurous and never tires, always exploring uncharted visual territories. He challenges us to look deeper, to understand what’s beyond the surface of reality, pushing the boundaries of cinematic representation in a relentless pursuit for spiritual truth and novel sensory experiences. Known as one of the pioneers of New German Cinema with movies like “Signs of Life,” “Nosferatu the Vampyre,” “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” and “Fitzcarraldo,” he also created films such as “Bad Lieutenant,” “Port of Call: New Orleans,” and “Grizzly Man.

Barbera commented: “He consistently pushes the boundaries of cinematic language, challenging the conventional divide between documentaries and fiction. Furthermore, he offers a groundbreaking exploration of themes such as communication, the interaction between visuals and music, and the stunning majesty of nature contrasted with its inevitable decay.

Barbera described Herzog as “the final successor in the grand lineage of German romanticism,” noting that his career is equally intriguing and perilous because it demands absolute dedication and exposes one to potential harm, with disaster always looming nearby.

The upcoming 82nd edition of Venice will run Aug. 27-Sept. 6.  

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2025-04-08 12:16