This year’s Mostra – Venice’s film festival, ended last night. Without too much philosophy and deeper meaning of the festival, as well as the movies shown, here are the winners! 

Golden Lion for best film

“Lust, Caution” by Taiwanese director Ang Lee.

I am honoured and happy, especially because this film took me to some very rough places. I invited you to come with me and in the end stay with me. You are the seven samurai and I needed your help, Ang Lee said.

Silver Lion for best director

“Redacted” by Brian De Palma

It is a very emotional film. And working with Iraqi refugees … their stories are just as touching as the images you see at the end of the film, De Palma said, adding that this was would not end so soon. As much as we show what is really happening (from Internet sources), the more the American public will be informed. Let us hope, if they see the right images, perhaps they will take to the streets, just as we did in the sixties.

Special Jury Prize

1. Director Abdellatif Kechiche (from Tunis) for the film “La Graine el Le Mulet”.

I want to say that many actors in this film were for the first time on the big screen and together with me are very much touched by the warmth and acceptance from the Venetian public, Kechiche said.

2. American director Todd Haynes for “I’m Not There”.

This award means a lot to me, since it comes from the jury of directors. Directors know how to raise a unique vision and that one needs a combination of creative risk and financial and production power for that, and we had both. Making this film was a life and death battle, Haynes said.

Special Lion for overall work went to Russian director Nikita Mikhalov. Grazie, grazie! I want to thank all the magnificent Russian artists who worked with me. Italy was always generous towards me and I will always be grateful to it, Nikita said.

Coppa Volpi for best actor

Brad Pitt for his role in “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”.

Brad was not able to receive the award, so a message was read on his behalf.

I was very surprised and grateful when I heard the news. I would very much like to be with you tonight and thank you again, Brad said in the message.

Coppa Volpi for best actress

Cate Blanchett for her role in “I’m Not There”.

Cate was also not able to personally receive the award, so heath Ledger received it on her behalf. A message was read on her behalf: I am sorry I cannot be on stage and hug Todd, cry in public and just behave like a woman, Cate said in the message.

Osella for best screenplay

British writer Pual Leverty for Loach’s film “It’s a Free World…”

I write the screenplay, Ken directs. It is very difficult to separate the cooperation. If it functions well, it is difficult to decipher. Loach is a very good friend, he is very lively, in constant dialogue and discussion, Laverty said.

Osella for best cinematography

Rodrigo Prieto, director of cinematography for “Lust, Caution” by Ang Lee.

Marcello Mastroianni award

Hafsia Herzi won the award for best actor or actress for the film “La Graine et Le Mulet” by Abdellatif Kechiche.

Look at the more interesting moments from the award ceremony in the PHOTO GALLERY