Legendary Actress Ellen Burstyn Honored With Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at 83rd Venice Film Festival

Nonagenarian Hollywood icon Ellen Burstyn received the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on September 7, 2026. The Triple Crown acting winner—holding an Oscar, a Tony, and two Emmy Awards—was celebrated for her remarkable career spanning over six decades and more than 150 feature films, including cinematic classics like 'The Exorcist', 'The Last Picture Show', and 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore'. Venice Film Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera commended Burstyn for her performance authenticity, emotional depth, and lifelong dedication to dramatic art, highlighting her pivotal leadership role as co-president of The Actors Studio. Burstyn also featured in two projects screened at this year's festival, starring as a 100-year-old Marilyn Monroe in Maggie Gyllenhaal's short film 'Flesh Impact' alongside her performance in Kornel Mundruczo's feature drama 'Place to Be'. Accepting the award at the Palazzo del Cinema, Burstyn expressed deep gratitude for returning to Venice while reflecting on how cinematic production and performance methods have evolved across her legendary career.