Jim Jarmusch Wins Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival 2025

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

The Venice International Film Festival, one of the oldest and most respected film festivals in the world, concluded its 82nd edition on September 6, 2025. This year, the festival delivered several surprises, but the biggest one came when U.S. independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch won the Golden Lion for Best Film with his latest drama, Father Mother Sister Brother.

The award came as a shock to many critics and audiences because the movie is quiet, slow, and deeply personal, while many expected louder, more political films to win. Jarmusch, known for his minimalist style, proved once again that subtle storytelling can leave a powerful impact.

About Jim Jarmusch

Jim Jarmusch is no stranger to the world of independent cinema. Over the decades, he has made films such as Stranger Than Paradise, Broken Flowers, and Paterson. His work is known for calm pacing, everyday settings, and deep reflections on human life.

Unlike many mainstream Hollywood directors, Jarmusch focuses on small details of ordinary lives rather than big action or heavy special effects. This makes his films unique and thought-provoking. Winning the Golden Lion in 2025 is one of the greatest honors of his long career.

The Film: Father Mother Sister Brother

The winning film, Father Mother Sister Brother, is structured in three parts. Each part explores family ties and emotional distance between parents and their adult children.

First story (New Jersey, U.S.): This chapter shows the relationship between a father and son. It captures everyday conversations, unspoken tensions, and the struggle of understanding across generations.

Second story (Dublin, Ireland): This part centers on a mother and daughter as they reflect on past sacrifices, misunderstandings, and the bonds that keep them together despite differences.

Third story (Paris, France): The final chapter deals with siblings and the ways family history shapes their choices in adulthood.

The cast includes major stars such as Tom Waits, Adam Driver, Cate Blanchett, Charlotte Rampling, Mayim Bialik, Vicky Krieps, Indya Moore, and Luka Sabbat. Their performances add depth and emotion to the film, making ordinary family conversations feel powerful and real.

Jarmusch called the movie his “quiet film”, and when accepting the Golden Lion, he thanked the jury for appreciating its subtle message.

Audience and Jury Reaction

When the film premiered, it did not cause the same buzz as some other high-profile movies. However, its simplicity grew on audiences, and many viewers praised its honesty and tenderness. Critics described it as a film that “does not shout but whispers with strength.”

The jury’s decision surprised many festival watchers. Yet, it also reminded people that cinema is not just about spectacle—it can also celebrate quiet, personal stories.

Other Winners at Venice 2025

• While Jarmusch took the Golden Lion, several other films and filmmakers were recognized with awards:
• Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize – The Voice of Hind Rajab, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania.
• A powerful documentary about a five-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza. The film was emotional and received a 24-minute standing ovation.
• Best Director – Benny Safdie for The Smashing Machine.
• The movie tells the life story of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the lead role.

Best Actor – Toni Servillo for La Grazia.

• He played a tired president at the end of his career, showing both dignity and weariness.
• Best Actress – Xin Zhilei for The Sun Rises On Us All.
• Her performance as a woman facing painful choices and unresolved love was praised by critics.
• Special Jury Award – Gianfranco Rosi for Below the Clouds.
• A black-and-white documentary exploring daily life in Naples, showing both chaos and beauty.
• Best Young Actor/Actress – Luna Wedler for Silent Friend.
• Her role in this German-French-Hungarian film marked her as a rising star.

A Festival of Politics and Art

The 2025 edition of the Venice Film Festival had a strong political flavor. Many films reflected real-world issues such as war, leadership, and social struggles. The Gaza conflict, in particular, appeared in multiple works.

The Voice of Hind Rajab stood out for its heartbreaking portrayal of violence against children. Director Kaouther Ben Hania said she wanted the girl’s voice to remain as proof of innocence lost to war.

This focus on political themes marked a change for Venice, which often avoids taking sides. This year, however, the festival became a stage for global issues to be discussed through cinema.

Big Names Who Left Without Awards

• Not every famous director walked away with a prize. Some of the most anticipated films did not win anything, including:
• A House of Dynamite by Kathryn Bigelow – a nuclear thriller.
• Frankenstein by Guillermo del Toro – a new version of the classic tale.
• Jay Kelly by Noah Baumbach – starring Emma Stone.
• No Other Choice by Park Chan-wook – a powerful South Korean drama.
• Bugonia by Yorgos Lanthimos – also starring Emma Stone, but did not secure an award.
• Their absence from the winners’ list showed just how unpredictable the Venice jury can be.

Why Jarmusch’s Win Matters

• Jim Jarmusch’s victory is important for several reasons:
• Independent cinema recognition – Big-budget films with famous directors often dominate the spotlight, but this year an independent filmmaker won the top award.
• Focus on families – In a festival full of war and politics, Jarmusch’s film reminded audiences of the universal themes of family and relationships.
• Minimalist filmmaking – The win shows that storytelling does not always need action, violence, or special effects to move audiences.
• For young filmmakers, this sends a powerful message: sometimes quiet films with small stories can speak louder than epic blockbusters.

The Venice Film Festival’s Role

Founded in 1932, the Venice International Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world. Winning the Golden Lion is one of the highest honors in cinema, often boosting a film’s chances for further recognition at the Oscars and other global awards.

Over the years, Venice has launched many successful films into the international spotlight. Jarmusch’s victory adds his name to the list of filmmakers who used Venice as a springboard to reach a wider audience.

The 2025 Venice Film Festival will be remembered as a year of surprises. With political documentaries, star-studded dramas, and big-name directors all competing, it was Jim Jarmusch’s quiet, personal family drama that captured the jury’s heart.

Father Mother Sister Brother may not be flashy, but its honest look at relationships struck a chord. In a world filled with noise and conflict, the Venice Film Festival chose to honor a film that whispered softly yet carried great meaning.

As awards season continues, many will watch to see how far Jarmusch’s film goes. But no matter what happens next, his Golden Lion win has already written a new chapter in film history.

Jim Jarmusch