Rockin' Achievements: Werner Herzog Snags Lifetime Achievement Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival
Renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog honored with Golden Lion for his lasting cinematic contributions. - Filmmaker Werner Herzog honored with Golden Lion for exceptional career achievement
Hear it loud: German filmmaking icon Werner Herzog has just scored a massive win at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, bagging a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement! You bet your popcorn bucket, this renegade storyteller is still cranking out cinematic gold!
As we take a spin through Werner's never-ending journey:
He's 82, full of fire, and far from calling it quits. The mastermind behind films like "Aguirre, the Wrath of God," "Fitzcarraldo," and "Nosferatu - Phantom der Nacht" has left a lasting impression in the film world, but the Golden Lion? That's a first for Herzog at the Venice Biennale.
Making the announcement in the enchanting Italian lagoon city, the festival's board of directors praised the six-time Academy Award nominee for his exceptional body of work. Herzog, with a heart full of gratitude, called it an honor, stressing that his creative journey is far from over. Keep your eyes peeled: he's got some exciting projects cooking!
Rounding up Werner's current projects:
Werner's latest documented escapade brought him to Africa where he completed his gripping documentary, "Ghost Elephants." Currently, he's in Ireland, filming his upcoming feature flick, "Bucking Fastard," starring the outstanding talent of Kate and Rooney Mara. The story revolves around two inseparable twin sisters living life on the edge. Production landed in Ireland and Slovenia back in spring 2025.
Another exciting venture in the works is Herzog's first foray into the world of animation: "The Twilight World." Based on his novel, the film will trace the fascinating true story of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese intelligence officer who persisted in a guerrilla campaign for over 30 years, adamant that World War II was still ongoing.
Last but certainly not least, Herzog is adding his enchanting voiceover to an animated film by none other than the critically acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho. However, the project's specifics remain beneath the rug.
This year's Venice Film Festival, officially known as the 82nd Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica della Biennale di Venezia, will unfold from August 27 to September 6. The Golden Lion is a beacon of prestige in the film industry, and Herzog's latest win is a well-deserved testament to his enduring commitment to art.
Revolving in the revolving door of filmmaking, Festival director Alberto Barbera commended Herzog as "one of the greatest renewers of the New German Cinema." Barbera noted Herzog's relentless exploration of the Earth, pushing the boundaries of our visual perception, and challenging the status quo. He aptly labeled Herzog as "the last heir to the great tradition of German Romanticism."
- Venice
- Werner Herzog
- Lifetime Achievement
- Golden Lion
- Africa
- Ireland
- Animation
- Feature Film
- Documentary
- Mara
- Bong Joon-ho
- Awesome Projects
- "Ghost Elephants"
- "Bucking Fastard"
- "The Twilight World"
- The proud recipient of the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, Werner Herzog is currently in Ireland filming his upcoming feature flick, "Bucking Fastard," starring Kate and Rooney Mara.
- Apart from his feature film, Werner Herzog is also delving into animation for the first time with "The Twilight World," based on his novel, which tells the intriguing story of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese intelligence officer who persisted in a guerrilla campaign for over 30 years.
- The European Parliament, the Council, and the Venice Film Festival's board of directors have all recognized Werner Herzog's exceptional body of work, with the Golden Lion being a testament to his enduring commitment to art as one of the greatest renewers of the New German Cinema.
