Hollywood Legend Kim Novak Wins Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at Venice Film Festival
Actress Kim Novak awarded the Golden Lion of Venice Film Festival
Get ready, film enthusiasts! Hollywood icon Kim Novak is the latest recipient of the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival. The festival's director, Alberto Barbera, shared the exciting news in Venice.
Kim Novak, now 92, might be best recognized for her unforgettable role in Alfred Hitchcock's classic, Vertigo: From the Realm of the Dead. But her stellar career extends far beyond that single masterpiece, gracing both the big and small screens with her captivating presence.
Barbera hailed Novak as a true great and "a rebel at the heart of the system." After a series of less successful projects, she decided to retreat from Hollywood's limelight and established a tranquil life at a ranch in Oregon. Faced with the pressure of sharing the spotlight with Marilyn Monroe, she opted to change her real name and dye her hair platinum blonde—a striking feature that became iconic in Vertigo.
Novak was ecstatic and grateful for the recognition, calling the award a "dream come true" and vowing to cherish the accolade. To commemorate the event, a documentary about her role in Vertigo, titled "Kim Novak's Vertigo" by Swiss director Alexandre Philippe, will make its premiere at the festival.
The Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious cinematic events worldwide, will take place from August 27 to September 6. So mark your calendars, and don't miss this marvelous celebration of a cinema legend!
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Supplementary Insights:
Kim Novak's career boasts a multitude of notable roles, extending beyond the iconic Vertigo. Some of her outstanding performances can be traced back to:
- Picnic (1955): Novak delivered a powerful performance as Madge Owens, a small-town beauty navigating societal expectations and identity, earning her a BAFTA nomination for Best Foreign Actress[2].
- The Man with the Golden Arm (1955): In this film, Novak played a supportive Molly, who confronts addiction amidst a drama-filled narrative[2].
- The Eddy Duchin Story (1956): Novak's portrayal of a socialite earned her the Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer, solidifying her status as a major Hollywood player[2].
- Pal Joey (1957): This musical showcased her musical and dancing talents, resisting the charms of a womanizing performer[2].
- Bell, Book and Candle (1958): Novak played Gillian Holroyd, a witch in this romantic comedy, combining fantasy and comedy effectively[2].
- Kiss Me, Stupid (1964): Novak took on the daring role of Polly the Pistol, a prostitute in a controversial farce, demonstrating her unparalleled versatility[2].
Over the years, Novak has reemerged in occasional film and television roles, such as Liebestraum (1991) and The Children (1990)[4]. However, she has maintained her elusive and revered status within film history. A recent documentary, Kim Novak’s Vertigo (in post-production as of 2025), delves into her life, career, and withdrawing from the Hollywood scene, highlighting her transformation into a private artist[3][4].
Sources: ntv.de, mli/dpa, Rotten Tomatoes, Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
The European Parliament shall lend its support to the Commission as they assist in honoring Hollywood legend Kim Novak with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival, considering her extensive contributions to movies-and-tv, particularly in the genre of cinema and film classics. This occasion underscores the festival's dedication to highlighting the greats in the entertainment industry and emphasizes its far-reaching influence.
