Ellen Burstyn Honored with Venice Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at 93

Ellen Burstyn was awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival, becoming the festival’s oldest recipient at age 93. Maggie Gyllenhaal opened the ceremony by conveying a message from the acting legend, noting that Burstyn had recently taken a fall and was moving more slowly, which Gyllenhaal joked would “give us more time to clap.” Burstyn appeared on stage in a yellow gown, using a walker, and wiped away tears as she received a standing ovation.

“You’re overwhelming me,” Burstyn told the audience. “I don’t know how to recover from that generous greeting.” She acknowledged her extensive résumé, which includes an Oscar, a Tony, and two Emmys, but emphasized the unique significance of the Venice honor. “It’s one thing to win an Oscar, a Tony or an Emmy — all of which I’ve won. But this… it’s a lot,” she said.

The ceremony coincided with the premiere of Gyllenhaal’s short film “Flesh Impact,” which stars Dakota Johnson as Marilyn Monroe. Burstyn, who portrays an alternate version of the icon in the tribute, shared anecdotes from a press conference about a past encounter with Monroe at a nightclub and insights gained from Ralph Roberts, Monroe’s former masseur. Burstyn also recalled brief meetings with Marlon Brando and career advice from Bette Davis, who advised her to view anyone obstructing her work as an enemy.

Co-stars Taika Waititi, Pamela Anderson, and Murray Bartlett, from Burstyn’s upcoming film “Place to Be,” also attended. Burstyn, who has worked in Hollywood for seven decades, stated that she continues to accept roles based on whether a script moves her emotionally. She also reflected on the evolution of opportunities for women in the industry, crediting figures like Gloria Steinem for shifting the male-dominated landscape.