Gus Van Sant to Receive Campari Passion for Film Award at 82nd Venice Film Festival
Renowned two-time Oscar-nominated director Gus Van Sant, celebrated for his iconic films such as Good Will Hunting, Milk, and Drugstore Cowboy, will be honored with the prestigious Campari Passion for Film Award at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival. This award recognizes film professionals whose work embodies a profound and lasting passion for cinema, distinguishing it from traditional lifetime achievement awards by focusing on artistic vision and the desire to leave a significant mark on cinematic storytelling.
Van Sant will accept this distinguished honor in Venice on September 2, just before the world premiere of his latest film, Dead Man’s Wire, which is showcased out of competition. This gripping thriller, based on true events, features a talented cast including Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, and the legendary Al Pacino.
In a heartfelt statement, Van Sant expressed his gratitude: “I’m truly honored to receive the Passion for Film award. My heartfelt thanks to Campari for this recognition — it means a great deal to me. I appreciate their acknowledgment of my work and their support for one of the world’s most prestigious cinematic institutions. It’s a privilege to be part of this tradition, and I deeply value the passion they bring to film.”
Alberto Barbera, the artistic director of the Venice Film Festival, praised Van Sant as “a unique filmmaker in contemporary cinema,” highlighting his remarkable ability to transition between mainstream and arthouse productions while maintaining a distinct creative voice. Barbera noted that Van Sant’s films, such as Drugstore Cowboy, My Own Private Idaho, Elephant, and Milk, have left a profound impact on audiences and the film industry. He also recognized Van Sant as a talent scout who launched the careers of notable actors, including River Phoenix, Keanu Reeves, Casey Affleck, Joaquin Phoenix, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon.
Since the 1980s, Van Sant has been an iconic figure in American independent cinema, skillfully blending minimalist and experimental filmmaking with more commercial projects. His storytelling often revolves around characters on the fringes of society, grappling with issues like addiction, trauma, and alienation. After making his debut with Mala Noche, he garnered international acclaim with Drugstore Cowboy and solidified his reputation with My Own Private Idaho, which was showcased in Venice in 1991.
Van Sant’s 1997 masterpiece Good Will Hunting garnered nine Oscar nominations and won two, propelling both Matt Damon and Ben Affleck to stardom. His acclaimed 2008 biopic Milk received eight Oscar nominations, earning wins for actor Sean Penn and screenwriter Dustin Lance Black. Additionally, his experimental film Elephant (2003), a poignant exploration of a school shooting in response to the Columbine tragedy, won the Palme d’Or for Best Film and Best Director at Cannes.
His latest film, Dead Man’s Wire, dramatizes the 1977 hostage situation involving Anthony G. “Tony” Kiritsis, a former real estate developer who famously wired a shotgun to his neck during a standoff with a mortgage banker.
The Campari Passion for Film Award has previously been awarded to esteemed professionals such as editor Bob Murawski, cinematographer Luca Bigazzi, composer Terence Blanchard, and production designers Tonino Zera and Paola Comencini. The 82nd Venice Film Festival will take place from August 27 to September 9, celebrating the rich tapestry of global cinema.
