Venice Film Festival 2026, «Woman Unknown» of May el-Toukhy wins the Golden Lion
Woman Unknown Wins Golden Lion at Venice 2026
Poinews.com – Venice Film Festival 2026 Woman Unknown has won the Golden Lion, the top prize at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. Directed by Danish filmmaker May el-Toukhy, the Denmark-Sweden-Latvia co-production emerged from a competition of 21 films spanning international drama, political documentary and major studio-backed projects.
The jury, led by president Maggie Gyllenhaal, selected Woman Unknown from a varied lineup that generated strong audience reactions and sustained debate throughout the festival. The award places el-Toukhy’s psychological post-war drama at the centre of this year’s Venice honours.
A post-war story shaped by a dangerous secret
Woman Unknown follows Marie, played by Mathilde Arcel, a young nanny and housekeeper who is preparing to marry Christian, the wealthy widower for whom she works. Christian is played by Carsten Bjørnlund, and the planned marriage appears to offer Marie both security and a new social position.
However, Marie’s future is threatened by her past. During the Second World War, she had an intimate relationship with a German Nazi soldier. As the consequences of that relationship become harder to contain, she fights to keep the secret from destroying her chance to become the lady of the house.
The Venice Film Festival 2026 Woman Unknown winner builds its tension around Marie’s effort to control a carefully constructed new life while fearing that the past will be exposed. Arcel’s performance was also recognised with the Coppa Volpi for best actress.
Special Jury Prize for Naza
The Special Jury Prize went to Naza, the only documentary in this year’s competition. Added late to the Venice programme, the film drew extraordinary attention at its premiere, receiving a 25-minute standing ovation—the longest recorded at the festival.
Co-directed by Israeli filmmakers Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham, Naza features Israeli military insiders discussing the war in Gaza and what they describe as the systematic killing of Palestinian civilians. It was one of only two films directed by women across the festival lineup.
The recognition for Naza reflected the competition’s broad range, bringing political documentary into the awards conversation alongside intimate dramas and star-led fiction films.
Acting Honours for Mathilde Arcel and John Malkovich
Alongside her Golden Lion-winning film, Mathilde Arcel received the Coppa Volpi for best actress for her portrayal of Marie in Woman Unknown. Her award recognised a performance defined by internal conflict, social ambition and moral unease.
John Malkovich won the Coppa Volpi for best actor for Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine. The dark comedy follows two CIA agents travelling to Easter Island shortly before Chile’s military coup of 1973. Sam Rockwell also stars in the film.
Wild Horse Nine received an ovation lasting more than 10 minutes at Venice. McDonagh has previously presented Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin at the festival, winning screenplay prizes for both films, while Colin Farrell won an acting award for The Banshees of Inisherin.
Young Talent and Screenplay Recognition
Malou Khebizi received the Marcello Mastroianni Award for best young actor or actress for her performance in Cédric Kahn’s 15/18 (A Place to Heal). The French drama follows two teenage girls entering the psychiatric ward of a public hospital.
The award broadened the festival’s recognition beyond the most prominent Golden Lion contenders, highlighting a film focused on adolescence, mental health care and the vulnerability of young people in an unfamiliar institution.
The screenplay prize, Miglior Sceneggiatura, went to Un bon petit soldat (A Good Little Soldier), adding another title to the list of films recognised across Venice’s major awards.
FAQ: Venice Film Festival 2026 Awards
Which film won the Golden Lion?
Woman Unknown, directed by May el-Toukhy, won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival 2026.
Who won best actress at Venice?
Mathilde Arcel won the Coppa Volpi for best actress for her role as Marie in Woman Unknown.
Which documentary received the Special Jury Prize?
Naza, co-directed by Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham, received the Special Jury Prize.
Who won best actor?
John Malkovich won the Coppa Volpi for best actor for his performance in Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine.