Independent Film News

Affleck, Mirren Take Top Honors in Venice

In an early edition of Friday Festival Frenzy, I thought I'd bring you the news from Italy.

Top honors have been awarded at the Venice Film Festival, and in the acting category two vastly different people have walked away winners. The distinguished Helen Mirren was honored for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in The Queen, while a much younger (and often underestimated) Ben Affleck won for his role in Hollywoodland.

No one's surprised to hear that Mirren walked with a win; she's up there with Judi Dench, turning to gold anything she stars in.

The bigger news is Affleck's recognition, as he's been in a string of less-than-stellar works the last few years (Jersey Girl? Gigli?! Surviving Christmas?!?) Even the studio was stunned, admittedly planning on campaigning for a Supporting Oscar nod for their star in the coming months. He plays, after all, the dead guy. Although, I'm sure he's pumped that they're even considering campaigning for an Oscar on his behalf.

Top prize over all was awarded to Still Life, a Chinese film about "ordinary people set against the giant Three Gorges Dam project." The late entry beat out The Queen and Bobby for the coveted Lion.

Posted by Lisa on September 13, 2006 12:01 AM
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