Winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival is one of cinema’s highest honors. Doing so often signals a film is not only artistically exceptional but also poised for awards season success. Yet, only a select few films have gone on to win an Oscar after taking home the Golden Lion. In this article, we explore 10 films that achieved this rare feat, highlighting their significance, awards, and impact on cinema.
What Makes the Golden Lion a Precursor to the Oscars?
The Venice Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world. Films awarded the Golden Lion are often seen as the year’s cinematic masterpieces, attracting international attention.
Key points:
- Golden Lion recognition often predicts critical and commercial success.
- Venice premieres can create Oscar buzz for major categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, and acting awards.
- Only a handful of films have managed the rare crossover from Venice acclaim to Oscar glory.
Table: Golden Lion Winners That Won the Oscar
| Film | Venice Award | Oscar(s) Won | Director | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poor Things | Golden Lion | TBD (recent release) | Yorgos Lanthimos | 2023 |
| Joker | Golden Lion | Best Actor (Joaquin Phoenix) | Todd Phillips | 2019 |
| The Wrestler | Golden Lion | Best Actor (Mickey Rourke) | Darren Aronofsky | 2008 |
| The Shape of Water | Golden Lion | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Production Design, Best Original Score | Guillermo del Toro | 2017 |
| Brokeback Mountain | Golden Lion | Best Director (Ang Lee), Best Adapted Screenplay | Ang Lee | 2005 |
| Nomadland | Golden Lion | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress | Chloé Zhao | 2020 |
| The Favourite | Venice Awards (other than Golden Lion) | Best Actress (Olivia Colman) | Yorgos Lanthimos | 2018 |
| Black Swan | Venice Awards (other than Golden Lion) | Best Actress (Natalie Portman) | Darren Aronofsky | 2010 |
| Philomena | Venice Awards (other than Golden Lion) | Best Adapted Screenplay | Stephen Frears | 2013 |
| Slumdog Millionaire | Venice Awards (other than Golden Lion) | Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Original Song | Danny Boyle | 2008 |
1. Poor Things: A Contemporary Fantasy Triumph
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things stars Willem Dafoe, Emma Stone, and Mark Ruffalo. The film explores a woman resurrected after suicide, navigating self-discovery across Europe.
- Why it matters: Its Golden Lion win cements Lanthimos’ reputation for bold, imaginative storytelling.
- Oscar potential: While still fresh, it’s poised for nominations in acting, production design, and adapted screenplay.
2. Joker: A Dark Dive Into a Villain’s Psyche
Todd Phillips’ Joker shocked audiences with its gritty portrayal of Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness.
- Venice acclaim: Won the Golden Lion for its daring narrative and Joaquin Phoenix’s transformative performance.
- Oscar recognition: Phoenix won Best Actor, highlighting the film’s cultural and cinematic impact.
3. The Wrestler: Redemption in the Ring
Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler follows an aging professional wrestler’s struggle to reclaim his life.
- Venice recognition: Celebrated for its raw, realistic storytelling.
- Oscar award: Mickey Rourke earned Best Actor, marking a triumphant career comeback.
4. The Shape of Water: Fantasy Meets Romance
Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water blends fantasy, sci-fi, and romance. It tells the story of a mute woman forming a bond with a secretive aquatic creature.
- Venice win: Golden Lion.
- Oscar haul: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Production Design, Best Original Score.
- Why it stood out: The film’s imaginative visuals and emotional resonance captured global acclaim.
5. Brokeback Mountain: Love and Tragedy on the American Frontier
Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain portrays a secret, forbidden love between two cowboys, played by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.
- Golden Lion recognition: Celebrated for its storytelling and cinematography.
- Oscar wins: Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
6. Nomadland: Portrait of Contemporary America
Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland follows Fern, a woman living out of her van after economic hardship.
- Venice: Golden Lion winner.
- Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (Frances McDormand).
- Significance: A reflection on resilience and the forgotten Americans of modern society.
7. Other Venice Winners That Won Oscars
While not all received the Golden Lion, several Venice-awarded films also achieved Oscar success:
- The Favourite – Best Actress for Olivia Colman; visually stunning period comedy.
- Black Swan – Best Actress for Natalie Portman; psychological thriller exploring obsession and perfection.
- Philomena – Best Adapted Screenplay; a moving true story about adoption and injustice.
- Slumdog Millionaire – Multiple Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director; a cultural phenomenon blending love, luck, and social commentary.
Why Venice Recognition Boosts Oscar Chances
Winning at Venice provides:
- Early critical acclaim: The festival sets a benchmark for artistic quality.
- Award momentum: Films gain visibility during awards season.
- Industry credibility: Directors and actors are recognized on a global stage.
The Rare Feat of Golden Lion Winners That Won the Oscar
Only a select few films achieve the dual prestige of winning the Golden Lion and an Oscar, highlighting their unique blend of artistry and universal appeal. From Nomadland to The Shape of Water, these films demonstrate that Venice acclaim can indeed forecast Oscar glory.
For cinephiles and awards enthusiasts alike, tracking Golden Lion winners that won the Oscar provides insight into the intersection of art, storytelling, and industry recognition.
