On the evening of 6/9 local time (early morning of 7/9 Hanoi time), at the closing ceremony, Xin Zhi Lei received the award from jury member, actress Zhao Tao. She became the third Chinese actress to win the Best Actress award, following Gong Li for "The Story of Qiu Ju" (1992) and Deanie Ip for "A Simple Life" (2011).
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Xin Zhi Lei poses on the red carpet with the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. Photo: AFP |
The actress said the moment she received the award felt like a dream. "I want to tell every girl: If you have a dream, dare to dream it, dare to pursue it. Maybe one day, your dream will come true, just like mine today. Finally, I want to thank my family. Mom, look!", she said in her acceptance speech.
More than 10 years ago, at the beginning of her career, she said: "One day, I must stand on the world stage. I want to become an international star." The actress also thanked director Shangjun Cai, co-stars Zhang Songwen and Feng Shaofeng, and the crew of "The Sun Rises On Us All".
In "The Sun Rises On Us All," Xin Zhi Lei plays Meiyun, separated from her former lover Bao Shu (played by Zhang Songwen) after an accident. Seven years later, they meet again by chance and confront their past pain together.
The film revolves around the question: "What do we owe the people we love?", depicting the paradox of a broken relationship where fate still binds two people together. The reunion between Meiyun and Bao Shu, set against the backdrop of the female lead being pregnant while her former lover has just finished a prison sentence and is undergoing cancer treatment, sparks conflicts and a yearning for forgiveness.
According to Variety, Xin Zhi Lei's performance captivates viewers even in scenes without dialogue. She expresses emotions and inner depth through her facial expressions. IndieWire commented that despite some scenes not fully integrating into the overall rhythm, the film maintains its authenticity thanks to the cast's acting. Xin Zhi Lei stands out, commanding the screen in everyday scenes.
Besides the love story, the film paints a picture of modern urban Chinese society, where people can easily feel lost in the crowd, and once-close relationships can break down and leave lasting wounds. The ending leaves a lingering feeling about the fragility of love, conveying the message: The sun of love in each person's life may rise and set, but its light still resonates.
Xin Zhi Lei, 39, was born in Heilongjiang Province, China. Before entering the arts, she studied fashion design in Harbin. In 2011, she began her acting career with the television version of "Painted Skin." Later, she honed her skills at the Central Academy of Drama, one of China's leading acting schools.
In 2012, she gained attention for her role as Li Jiaxuan in "All About Love," a remake of a Korean drama. Xin Zhi Lei gradually affirmed her acting ability through various roles, notably as Consort Jia Jin Yuyan in "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace" (2018).
The Golden Lion for best film went to "Father Mother Sister Brother" by director Jim Jarmusch. The film comprises three stories about three families, exploring the relationship between parents and children. The Silver Lion for Best Director was awarded to Benny Safdie for the biopic about MMA fighter Mark Kerr, "The Smashing Machine," starring The Rock.
Italian actor Toni Servillo won Best Actor for "La Grazia," directed by Paolo Sorrentino. Filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi – who won the Golden Lion in 2013 – received the Special Jury Prize for his documentary "Below the Clouds" about life in Naples under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.
The Best Screenplay award went to "At Work" by Valerie Donzelli and Gilles Marchand. Actress Luna Wedler won the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Emerging Actor or Actress for her role in Ildiko Enyedi's "Silent Friend."
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American director Jim Jarmusch wins the Golden Lion for Best Film "Father Mother Sister Brother" at the 82nd Venice Film Festival. Photo: AFP |
According to Variety, Venice has long been considered one of the least political film events, but this year was an exception. The conflict in Gaza was frequently mentioned in discussions during and outside film screenings. The Grand Jury Prize-winning film, "The Voice of Hind Rajab," about the death of a 5-year-old Palestinian girl, moved many viewers to tears and received a record 22-minute standing ovation.
Many Hollywood and Asian stars graced the red carpet, including actor Jacob Elordi, directors Guillermo del Toro, Idris Elba, George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Shu Qi, Son Ye Jin, and Lee Byung Hun.
Founded in 1932, the Venice Film Festival is the oldest film event in the world. The 82nd edition took place from 27/8 to 9/9, opening with the premiere of "La Grazia" by Italian director Paolo Sorrentino and closing with "Dog 51" by Cedric Jimenez. This year's Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement honored German director Werner Herzog and American actress Kim Novak.
The Golden Lion jury was chaired by American director Alexander Payne, along with actors Fernanda Torres (Brazil), directors Mohammad Rasoulof (Iran), Stephane Brize (France), Maura Delpero (Italy), Cristian Mungiu (Romania), and actress Zhao Tao (China).
Que Chi (according to Variety, Deadline)
