Kim Novak to Be Honored at Venice Film Festival With Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement

At the prestigious Venice Film Festival, the renowned actress Kim Novak from “Vertigo” will receive the Golden Lion Award for her Lifetime Achievement.

In the late ’50s and early ’60s, Novak, aged 92, emerged as the world’s leading box office attraction, largely due to films that are now regarded as classics like “Picnic” (1955) directed by Joshua Logan, “The Man with the Golden Arm” (1955) by Otto Preminger, George Sidney’s “Pal Joey” (1957), and most notably, Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” (1958), where she delivered an exceptional performance as dual characters.

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During the late ’50s and early ’60s, Novak, now 92 years old, achieved worldwide fame as the top box office star, thanks in part to timeless films such as “Picnic” (1955) directed by Joshua Logan, “The Man with the Golden Arm” (1955) under Otto Preminger’s direction, George Sidney’s “Pal Joey” (1957), and of course, Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece “Vertigo” (1958), in which she portrayed two characters that showcased her best work.

Furthermore, Novak is often referred to as “a liberated celebrity; a rule-breaking figure within Hollywood who inspired the aspirations of film enthusiasts worldwide, before choosing to settle down on a ranch in Oregon where she immersed herself in painting and caring for her horses,” according to a statement from the Venice Film Festival.

In honor of the tribute, Venice will debut for the first time the documentary biopic titled “Kim Novak’s Vertigo,” directed and written by Alexandre O. Philippe. This documentary combines scarcely available historical footage with personal insights from Novak, offering a glimpse into her secluded life along Oregon’s untamed Rogue River. The film follows Novak’s journey from a mid-century cinema legend to a fiercely private artist.

Without a doubt, Novak was an incredibly self-reliant celebrity, who chose to forsake the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in favor of living her life according to her own rules.

Alberto Barbera, head of the Venice Film Festival, stated that Kim Novak inadvertently achieved screen legend status and was a cherished symbol of an entire era in Hollywood films. From her debut in the mid-1950s until her unexpected departure from LA, she was a significant figure. He further noted that Novak wasn’t shy about criticizing the studio system, selecting her roles, controlling who had access to her personal life, and even choosing her own name.

Since her name was linked with Monroe, Marilyn Pauline had to change it. However, she fiercely held onto her surname, accepting instead the transformation of her hair into the iconic platinum blonde shade that distinguished her,” Barbara noted.

Novak expressed heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the esteemed Golden Lion Award from a highly respected film festival, stating that being honored for his lifetime of work at this point in his life is a long-held dream realized. He shared that every moment he spends in Venice will be cherished, as it will bring him immense joy.

This year, it’s been confirmed that the city of Venice will be bestowing a Lifetime Achievement Award upon groundbreaking German filmmaker, Werner Herzog.

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

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2025-06-09 12:46