The Venice Film Festival has revealed its 2026 award winners, with May el-Toukhy’s “Woman Unknown” taking home the prestigious Golden Lion for best film.
\n\nThe Danish drama — which follows a young housemaid whose intimate relationship with a German soldier during World War II threatens her future — was the only film in competition solely directed by a woman.
\n\nIn an emotional speech, el-Toukhy referenced the lack of female filmmakers, something that jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal called out on the festival’s very first day. “There’s a systemic problem,” she said in a press conference. “It’s harder for women to get films financed.”
\n\n“Thank you to the jury for this great honor — and to you, Maggie, especially for using your voice and shining a light on the lack of equal opportunities for female filmmakers in our industry,” el-Toukhy said. “This film has been incredibly challenging to make financially, logistically, emotionally. And what kept me going was the urgent need to illuminate the unknown women of our common history, to make them known. And especially tonight, I feel like I succeeded in doing just that.”
\n\nEarlier in the evening, “Woman Unknown” star Mathilde Arcel was awarded the Volpi Cup for best…
Original source: https://variety.com/v/tv/