Ellen Burstyn Honored With Liberatum’s Pioneer Award in Venice
On Wednesday evening, Liberatum hosted its Women in Creativity gala in conjunction with the 81st Venice International Film Festival. Oscar, Emmy and Tony-winning actress Ellen Burstyn was honored with the Liberatum Pioneer Award for her work in cinema and for advancing society forward in movements like women’s liberation in Hollywood.
In attendance were Bones and All actress Taylor Russell, who starred with Burstyn in the 2023 film Mother, Couch; Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Debra Granik, who is known for her 2004 film Down to the Bone; Dr. Aaron Roni Neumark who dedicates his time to preserving fine historic artwork; as well as Missoni president Angela Missoni, art historian Diana Picasso, Syrian film director Soudade Kaadan, Brazilian actress Barbara Paz, Germany filmmaker Julia Heinz and Italian architect Francesco da Mosto.
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Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter after the gala, Burstyn said, “First of all, Venice has got to be the most beautiful city in the world in so many different ways — historically, architecturally, naturally, the presence of the sea everywhere, the people. It is a thrilling experience to just be here. Then to be getting this profound award for not just doing a good job as an actress, but for actually being a pioneer in the culture, I am deeply moved to be recognized for such an achievement.”
At 91 years old, Burstyn, who now walks with a cane, is still as robust as ever. Her mind is sharp and it isn’t lost on her and those who attended the gala of how much she has impacted cinema. Her career in film spans over 70 years and her impact in speaking out on social justice causes — including being actively involved in the Civil Rights era in the 1960s — has led her to have a career not only in film, but also in bringing change. In 1975, she became the third woman in history to win a Tony and Academy Award in the same year.
When guests arrived, they walked the photo call and were met with champagne and hors d’oeuvres as they mingled. Held at the Blue Pavilion by Palazzina Grassi, the event featured a pool in the center of the room with dinner tables surrounding it and a DJ perched above the stage. Guests were served a three-course meal and then Ceren Cerciler Liberatum’s vice president welcomed guests and invited Burstyn on stage to join a one-on-one panel discussion.
When asked when she first visited Italy, Burstyn noted how she had been active in the Civil Rights movement, and was in Rome because her then-husband had a job in the Italian capital. “There had been many demonstrations in New York, Los Angeles and Washington. When I came to Rome on the first day, I was walking down the street and there was a demonstration. Of course, it was all in Italian and I spoke none, but I just assumed that it was for a proper cause — so then I got in and joined the demonstration and then the next day I read that they were fascists.” Laughter erupted from the audience as she told this story as Burstyn added, “And that was my introduction to Italy.”
Liberatum’s founder Pablo Ganguli then took to the stage to briefly honor Burstyn and women like his grandmother from Calcutta, India, who taught him about women’s strength. When Ganguli started the organization, he aimed to create a global, multidisciplinary and multimedia cultural diplomacy organization that empowers people to promote social change through culture. Diversity, equal rights, freedom of expression, tolerance, understanding and acceptance are at the core of what the organization strives for.
In 2023, Angela Bassett and Brazilian anthropologist and activist Ivete Sacramento were awarded Liberatum’s Pioneer Award. Other past honorees include Queen Elizabeth II, Nicole Kidman, Will Smith, Cher, Mark Ruffalo, Pelé, Sir David Attenborough, Hans Zimmer, Mark Ruffalo, Hilary Swank, Tilda Swinton, Morgan Freeman, Francis Ford Coppola and Viola Davis.
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