Ellen Burstyn to Receive Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in Venice

A Career of Milestones Since the Early 1970s

Ellen Burstyn achieved her international breakthrough in 1971 with Peter Bogdanovich's film "The Last Picture Show." Just two years later, she became world-famous through William Friedkin's horror classic "The Exorcist." In 1975, she received the Oscar for Best Actress for Martin Scorsese's drama "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore." In total, she was nominated six times for the Academy Award.

Over the course of her more than 60-year career, Burstyn appeared in approximately 150 film and television productions. She worked with directors such as Alain Resnais, Paul Schrader, Bob Rafelson, Darren Aronofsky, and Christopher Nolan. Among her best-known films, alongside "The Exorcist," are Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream" and Christopher Nolan's space epic "Interstellar." Most recently, she appeared on screen in 2023 in "The Exorcist: Believer."

Second Lifetime Achievement Honor After George Clooney

Burstyn also appeared in the US series "House of Cards," in which she played the mother of the First Lady. Following the announcement, she stated: "Ich fühle mich so geehrt, so glücklich, so dankbar! Wirklich wow!"

Ellen Burstyn is the second recipient of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at this year's festival, after George Clooney had previously been announced. The Golden Lion will be presented to her as part of the screening of the short film "Flesh Impact," directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. Gyllenhaal, who also chairs the international competition jury, dedicated the film to Marilyn Monroe on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Alongside Burstyn, Dakota Johnson, Peter Sarsgaard, and Sepideh Moafi are part of the cast.

Festival Period and Outlook on the Program

The Venice Film Festival is considered one of the most important in the world and frequently presents films that later go on to compete at the Oscars. According to the organizers, the competition program of this year's edition is to be announced later this month. The report was published by APA on July 14, 2026.

Barbera summarized the significance of the actress in a further statement: "She has given unforgettable female characters depth and complexity and has shaped generations of filmmakers with her work." With the honor in Venice, one of the most influential actresses in US cinema is being recognized for decades of creative achievement.