American actress Sigourney Weaver was honoured with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on Wednesday.
The ceremony began with a tribute video celebrating Weaver’s illustrious career, set to Amy Winehouse’s song Back to Black. French actress Camille Cottin, who starred alongside Weaver in the hit satire series Call My Agent!, then took the stage to introduce her.
““Thank you, Sigourney Weaver, for paving the way. For adding a new dimension to cinema by depicting women in such revolutionary ways. You never relented, you never gave up the fight and that’s what we are here to celebrate,” Cottin said.
Weaver's frequent collaborator, director James Cameron, also contributed to the celebration with a video message. “Her incredible portfolio spans 40 years of unforgettable performances. She is also my friend and we have navigated this crazy business together. I always look forward to the creativity and the passion she brings to every project. I can’t wait to work with you again in the world we know so well, Pandora. Brava, cara mia,” the Avatar director said.
Earlier that day, Weaver, 74, became emotional at a press conference as she reflected on her groundbreaking role as a female action hero in the Aliens franchise and the inspiration she has provided to young women. She was equally moved during the awards ceremony.
“Being invited to join this constellation of artists – your pride of Golden Lions – is the most astonishing honour I can imagine and I am truly humbled by your recognition. I have gotten to work with so many distinctly individual filmmakers. I thank each and every one for the work we got to do together. It has been quite an adventure,” Weaver said.
The 81st Venice Film Festival kicked off on Wednesday with the world premiere of Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Burton, along with the film’s star-studded cast — Jenna Ortega, Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux and Monica Bellucci — stole the spotlight on the red carpet.
The Venice Film Festival will continue till September 7.
