Kim Novak Honored with Golden Lion as Documentary “Kim Novak’s Vertigo” Premieres at Venice Film Festival

September 1, 2025 | Venice, Italy

Legendary actress Kim Novak, now 92, was celebrated today at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where she received the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement and saw the world premiere of the documentary Kim Novak’s Vertigo.

The Alexandre O. Philippe-directed film, which weaves rare archival footage with Novak’s own reflections, offers an intimate portrait of her journey from mid-century Hollywood icon to reclusive artist. “I felt somehow that it was meant to be,” Novak said of the project, noting that making the documentary gave her “a chance to reflect on my life” and “articulate the things that were significant and meaningful to me”.

Festival director Alberto Barbera lauded Novak as “a maverick at the core of Hollywood” whose early departure from the studio system inspired generations of cinema enthusiasts before she retreated to her Oregon ranch to focus on painting and horses. In her acceptance speech, Novak remarked, “This Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement honors a star who was liberated… It marks the first time I’m incorporating myself into one of my films, and while that wasn’t my initial intention, it quickly became evident that our connection provides the film with its emotional core”.

Beyond celebrating her storied career-highlighted by roles in Picnic (1955), The Man With the Golden Arm (1955) and Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958)-the festival screening allowed Novak to revisit the film that cemented her legacy. Philippe’s unconventional four-act spiral structure repeatedly returns to her departure from Hollywood, capturing the actress’s lifelong quest for authenticity amid an industry that “often felt like a burden,” she admitted.

With today’s honors, Kim Novak closes a remarkable circle: from her breakout at age 21 through her self-imposed exile in 1966, to a triumphant return to the spotlight in Venice. The documentary Kim Novak’s Vertigo officially debuted tonight, offering audiences an unprecedented look at the woman who once declared, “I wanted to be me, not a product”.