The legendary Kim Novak is being celebrated with the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. The festival, which runs from August 27 to September 6, 2025, is also premiering "Kim Novak's Vertigo," a documentary made in close collaboration with the acclaimed actress.
Novak, celebrated for her iconic performances, including her role in Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo," made a rare public appearance, drawing significant admiration. Her lasting influence was recently highlighted when actress Sydney Sweeney paid homage to Novak at the 2025 Met Gala, wearing a gown inspired by Novak's attire in the 1967 film "The Legend of Lylah Clare." This tribute underscores Novak's enduring impact on cinema.
Festival Director Alberto Barbera cited Novak's independent and nonconformist spirit as a key reason for the honor. "This Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement celebrates a star who was emancipated, a rebel at the heart of Hollywood who illuminated the dreams of movie lovers before retiring to her ranch in Oregon to dedicate herself to painting and to her horses," Barbera stated. Novak expressed her deep gratitude, calling the award a "dream come true" and anticipating a joyful experience in Venice.
Guillermo del Toro, a celebrated director himself and a Golden Lion winner in 2017 for "The Shape of Water," will present the laudatio for Novak. The documentary "Kim Novak's Vertigo," directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, delves into Novak's career and personal reflections, offering a unique perspective on her journey from a mid-century icon to a private artist. The film's premiere at Venice marks a significant moment for fans and critics alike.