Venice International Film Festival 2023: can winning the Golden Lion translate into box office success?

The shortlist for the Golden Lion, the most prestigious award handed out at the annual Venice International Film Festival, has been announced with those “in competition” titles boasting some names that you immediately would expect would pick up top honours at the 80th edition of the festival.

Yorgos Lanthimos, Sofia Coppola, Michael Mann and David Fincher are merely a few of the 23 directors who comprise the list going for the Italian festival’s equivalent to Cannes’ Palme d’Or - this year won by Justine Triet for “Anatomy of a Fall,” becoming only the third female to have won the top honour at the French Riviera event.

But while Cannes Film Festival is all about the glitz and glamour of the film industry, Venice International Film Festival tends to have more of a focus on the independent, the international and the art-house features that sometimes may not make their way to theatre screens, despite critical accolades.

So does that mean that winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes is more lucrative than winning the Golden Lion at Venice? Well, in terms of averages - Cannes Film Festival has given light to a number of films that managed to translate their accolades at that festival into strong box office figures. 

But the Golden Lion is not an award to be sniffed at either; in fact, a number of very strong productions that “somewhat” fit into that independent/art-house mould Venice is renowned for have gone on to earn not only box office success but at times have even been awarded by the prestigious Academy.

Don’t believe us? Take a look at the following films that have earned the Golden Lion previously and the successes that they all went on to have after a general release in theatres across the world.

What Golden Lion-winning films have gone on to have box office success?

Joker (2019)

Todd Phillips' dark and captivating character study, "Joker," premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival and received the coveted Golden Lion. The film's gripping portrayal of the iconic DC Comics villain, portrayed masterfully by Joaquin Phoenix, immediately garnered critical acclaim and generated significant buzz. 

The Venice premiere catapulted "Joker" into the spotlight, and upon its theatrical release, the film became an unexpected box office sensation. Audiences worldwide flocked to witness Phoenix's mesmerizing performance, resulting in the film grossing over $1 billion globally, making it one of the highest-grossing R-rated films ever.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ang Lee's groundbreaking romantic drama, "Brokeback Mountain," premiered at the 62nd Venice International Film Festival and won the prestigious Golden Lion. The film's heartfelt exploration of a “forbidden” love affair between two cowboys, portrayed by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, captivated both critics and audiences alike. 

The Venice premiere brought significant attention to "Brokeback Mountain," leading to a successful theatrical run. The film's emotional resonance and powerful performances resonated with viewers, making it a commercial hit, earning over $178 million worldwide and becoming a cultural phenomenon. Then came its success at the Academy Awards… checkmate, Ang Lee.

The Wrestler (2008)

Darren Aronofsky's gritty sports drama, "The Wrestler," premiered at the 65th Venice International Film Festival and received critical acclaim, earning that year’s Golden Lion. Mickey Rourke's powerful portrayal of a faded professional wrestler fighting for redemption earned praise from both critics and audiences. 

Its premiere at the festival garnered significant buzz that ultimately led to successful box office returns. Audiences were drawn to Rourke's emotionally charged performance and the film's authentic depiction of the wrestling world. As a result, "The Wrestler" achieved box office success, solidifying its place as a standout film in Aronofsky's repertoire and earning Rourke an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Somewhere (2010)

Sofia Coppola's introspective drama, "Somewhere," premiered at the 67th Venice International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Golden Lion. The film's intimate exploration of the life of a disillusioned actor, played by Stephen Dorff, resonated with the festival audience and critics. 

Its screening at Venice International Film Festival helped build anticipation for the film's release, resulting in a successful run in theatres. Audiences responded to Coppola's thoughtful storytelling, and "Somewhere" achieved box office success, solidifying its place as a contemplative and visually striking indie gem.

The Shape of Water (2017)

Guillermo del Toro's enchanting fantasy romance, "The Shape of Water," made its debut at the 74th Venice International Film Festival and received critical acclaim, ultimately winning the Golden Lion. Del Toro's imaginative storytelling and Sally Hawkins' captivating performance as a mute woman who befriends an amphibious creature struck a chord with audiences. 

Following its Venice premiere, "The Shape of Water" gained significant momentum and garnered numerous accolades. The film's success at Venice propelled it to become a commercial triumph, grossing over $195 million worldwide and earning multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, though its win remains a point of contention for some cinephiles. 

When is the 80th Venice International Film Festival?

The 80th Venice International Film Festival begins on August 30 2023 and runs until September 9 2023.

How can I get tickets to the 80th Venice International Film Festival?

Tickets will be available later in August for the programme of films being shown as part of the 80th Venice International Film Festival and are available through the festival’s official website.

That information also includes how much tickets and subscriptions to this year’s event will cost based on screening times and locations; 5pm and 10pm screenings look to be your cheaper option if you were to see a film at the Sala Grande, and then balloon for prime-time, early evening screenings.