Some of the most anticipated films of 2018 premiered at Venice Film Festival, but it seems like Roma is the best of the bunch. This critically acclaimed drama directed by Oscar winner Alfonso Cuarón received the highest prize given in Venice – the Golden Lion.
Roma is Cuarón’s most personal film to date since it’s inspired by his own upbringing in the middle-class neighborhood of Mexico City this project was named after. It chronicles the life of a live-in housekeeper and a small family she’s taking care of.
Cuarón said this award is incredibly important to him and thanked the producers who helped him bring this story to life. He also thanked his leading ladies Marina De Tavira, Yalitza Aparicio and Nancy Garcia for their courage, generosity and immense respect in portraying the women who raised him. David Linde, whose company Participant Media produced Roma, was also delighted after receiving the good news.
“Working with Alfonso on Roma has already been an amazing journey for everyone at Participant, and we are beyond thrilled that his brilliant film has been honored with the Golden Lion. This film is a gift to all audiences, transcending language and cultural barriers and inspiring compassion across the globe,” said Linde.
Take a look at the winners of the major prizes at this year’s Venice Film Festival:
Golden Lion – Roma by Alfonso Cuarón
Grand Jury Prize – The Favourite by Yorgos Lanthimos
Silver Lion – The Sisters Brothers by Jacques Audiard
Volpi Cup for Best Actress – Olivia Colman for The Favourite
Volpi Cup for Best Actor – Willem Dafoe for At Eternity’s Gate
Best Screenplay Award – The Ballad of Buster Scruggs by Joel and Ethan Coen
Special Jury Prize – The Nightingale by Jennifer Kent
Marcello Mastroianni Award– Baykali Ganambarr for The Nightingale
