The 83rd Venice International Film Festival has concluded on the island of Lido. The closing ceremony took place on September 12, 2026, with the prestigious Golden Lion awarded to “The Unknown Woman,” directed by Danish filmmaker May el-Toukhy. The film was produced as an international co-production between Denmark, Sweden, and Latvia.
This year’s competition recognized several directors, actors, and screenwriters whose work received high praise from the jury.
Main Festival Awards
The Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize was awarded to “Promised Love,” directed by South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong.
The Best Director award went to Ilya Khrzhanovsky.
In the acting categories, Matilda Arcel received the Best Actress award for her role in “The Unknown Woman,” while John Malkovich was named Best Actor for his performance in “Nine Wild Horses.”
The Best Screenplay award was presented to Stéphane Brizé, Coralie Amédéo, and Olivier Gorce for “The Good Little Soldier.”
The Special Jury Prize went to “NAZA,” directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.
The Best Young Actor award was presented to Malu Hebezi for his role in “A Place for Healing.”
“The Unknown Woman”: About the Winning Film
The story of the festival’s top prize winner is set in Denmark in the summer of 1945, shortly after the end of World War II and the country’s liberation from Nazi occupation.
At the center of the story is Marie, a young woman played by Matilda Arcel. After the war, she attempts to leave the past behind and build a new life. She hopes to marry a wealthy employer who could provide her with financial security and a higher social status.
However, Marie’s future is threatened by events from the war years. During the occupation, she had a relationship with a German soldier, and in post-war society, such a connection could have serious consequences for a woman.
The film explores the harsh treatment of women accused of having relationships with German servicemen during the occupation. They were publicly humiliated, punished, and socially ostracized. For Marie, the revelation of her past becomes a threat not only to her reputation and future but also to her personal safety.
Thus, “The Unknown Woman” combines personal drama with historical context, exploring themes of post-war trauma, social condemnation, and the struggle for the right to start anew.
