Italy is set to pay tribute one of Spain’s most famous directors.
Having been in the industry for 45 years, it seems almost unbelievable that Pedro Almodóvar has not yet been honored by the Venice Film Festival.
But this is a big year for the Todo Sobre Mi Madre director. Not only is he turning 70, but his most recent film, Pain and Glory, was a standout at the Cannes Film Festival, with its star Antonio Banderas being named best actor.
The upcoming Venice Film Festival has announced that it will be awarding Almodóvar its Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement.
Festival director Alberto Barbera described Almodóvar as “the greatest and most influential Spanish director since Buñuel, and moreover as a filmmaker who has offered us the most multifaceted, controversial, and provocative portraits of post-Franco Spain.”
“I am very excited and honored by the gift of this Golden Lion,” Almodóvar said. “This Lion is going to become my pet, along with the two cats I live with. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for giving me this award.”
The 76th Venice Film Festival is scheduled to take place between August 28th and September 7th.
