Pedro Almodóvar makes history by winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

The Venice Film Festival has witnessed a historic moment with the awarding of the Golden Lion to "The Room Next Door," the first English-language film directed by acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. This award not only celebrates the director's work but also reinforces his status as one of the most influential figures in contemporary cinema. The film, which will premiere in Spanish cinemas on October 18, tells the complex relationship between a mother, played by Tilda Swinton, and her daughter, who are separated by a significant misunderstanding. Ingrid, the mother’s friend played by Julianne Moore, becomes the painful link between them, enriching the narrative with a deep emotional backdrop. In the press conference following the award ceremony, Almodóvar described his new work as a response to the hate speech that is proliferating in today’s society, both in Spain and elsewhere in the world. With his usual eloquence, he emphasized the importance of empathy and inclusion, calling for open arms towards migrant children facing adversities in their quest to cross borders. At a time when far-right rhetoric is intensifying, the Spanish director asserts that his film seeks to offer a message of hope and humanity. Shot between Madrid and New York, "The Room Next Door" not only marks a new phase in Almodóvar's filmography but is also based on the novel "What Is Your Torment" by Sigrid Nunez. This adaptation presents a challenge for the director, who has primarily worked in Spanish throughout his career, but also an opportunity to expand his reach to an English-speaking audience. The combination of a star-studded cast, including Alessandro Nivola, Juan Diego Botto, Raúl Arévalo, Melina Matthews, and Victoria Luengo, promises a profound interpretation of the characters and their conflicts. This Golden Lion is a significant recognition for Almodóvar, who had already been honored in 2019 with an honorary Golden Lion. His trajectory at the Venetian festival has been extensive and varied, beginning with his international debut in 1983 with "Dark Habits" and continuing with the success of "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" in 1988, which earned him the Best Screenplay award. Now, Almodóvar becomes the first Spanish director to win the Golden Lion, a milestone that underscores the relevance of his work in the film world. "The Room Next Door" competed in Venice against a series of renowned productions, including the highly anticipated sequel to "Joker," directed again by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. Other works by acclaimed filmmakers such as Pablo Larraín, with "María," and Luca Guadagnino, with "Queer," were also in the running. The competition was fierce, but the uniqueness of Almodóvar's narrative and his focus on universal themes such as love, loss, and belonging managed to stand out in this sea of cinematic proposals. In addition to Almodóvar's victory, the festival also saw Italian filmmaker Maura Delpero triumph, who won the Silver Lion for Best Director for "Vermiglio," a story set in an isolated Alpine village during World War II. The diversity of narratives presented at the festival highlights the richness of contemporary cinema and its ability to tackle complex and relevant issues. The Silver Lion for Best Director was awarded to American Brady Corbet for his film "The Brutalist," which tells the story of a Hungarian Jewish immigrant arriving in the United States after World War II. This recognition underscores the quality and depth of contemporary direction in American cinema, while also showcasing the thematic similarities and differences with Almodóvar's work. Other notable awards included the Volpi Cup for Best Actor, which went to French actor Vincent Lindon for his role in "Playing with Fire," and the Volpi Cup for Best Actress, awarded to Nicole Kidman for her performance in "Babygirl," although she was unable to accept it in person due to a family bereavement. These awards highlight the diversity of talent and styles present at the festival. In a world where art and culture can be powerful tools for social change, Almodóvar's film emerges as a necessary voice that invites reflection and action. The recognition he has received in Venice is not only a personal triumph for the director but also a call to the film industry to continue exploring and representing stories that humanize and connect. As "The Room Next Door" prepares for its premiere in Spain, expectations are high, and the film world eagerly awaits the arrival of this new masterpiece.