paroolSep 13, 2026, 02:19

Danish war drama Woman Unknown is the big winner at Venice Film Festival, John Malkovich named best actor

The Venice Film Festival announced the Danish drama Woman Unknown as the top winner, while John Malkovich was awarded best actor for his role in Wild Horse Nine. Other notable honors included the jury prize for the documentary Gaza and the best direction award for Ilya Khrzhanovsky's project DAU.

The Venice Film Festival recently concluded with the Danish historical drama Woman Unknown winning the top prize. The film, directed by El-Toukhy, explores the aftermath of World War II in Denmark and the social ostracization faced by women who associated with German soldiers. Meanwhile, John Malkovich secured the award for best actor for his portrayal of a CIA agent in the film Wild Horse Nine, a political thriller set in 1973 Chile. Malkovich expressed his gratitude to director Martin McDonagh for the opportunity to play the character alongside his co-star, Sam Rockwell.

Additional accolades were distributed during the ceremony, including the special jury prize awarded to the documentary Gaza, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. The film examines the Israeli military's actions in the Gaza Strip through interviews with intelligence officers. Furthermore, filmmaker Lee Chang-dong received the Silver Lion for Possible Love, and Ilya Khrzhanovsky was honored for best direction for his project DAU. Khrzhanovsky, a critic of Moscow who has renounced his Russian citizenship, dedicated his award to the people of Ukraine.

Culture

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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