Oscar-winning English actress Julie Andrews will receive the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the 76th Venice International Film Festival (August 28 – September 7, 2019).
She was chosen by the Biennale board of directors chaired by Paolo Baratta on the recommendation of festival director Alberto Barbera.
“Her first Hollywood movie, Mary Poppins, gave her top-tier star status, which was later confirmed in another treasured film, The Sound of Music,” said Barbera. “Those two roles projected her into the Olympus of international stardom, making her an iconic figure adored by several generations of moviegoers [but], it must be remembered that Andrews went out of her way to avoid remaining confined as an icon of family movies. She accepted roles that were diverse, dramatic, provocative and imbued with scathing irony… This Golden Lion is the well-deserved recognition of an extraordinary career which has admirably parsed popular success with artistic ambition, without ever bowing to facile compromises.”
Julie Andrews added: “I am so honoured to have been selected as this year’s recipient of the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement. The Venice Film Festival has long been recognized as one of the world’s most esteemed international film festivals. I thank the Biennale for this acknowledgement of my work and I look forward to being in that beautiful city in September for this very special occasion.”
Andrews won the best actress Oscar for Mary Poppins, and a Golden Globe for The Sound Of Music. Her other roles include The Americanization of Emily, Hawaii, Torn Curtain, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Star!, 10 , Victor/Victoria, That’s Life!, Duet For One and Shrek.
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