The amazing Sigourney Weaver, who broke the female stereotype of roles in action and science fiction films, will receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in the 81st Venice International Film Festival. This award has come at a point in time in her careers spanning more than forty years, where she has remained relevant and versatile in the film industry.
The roots of Weaver can be traced back to the New York City, where she was both born and raised. She pursued professional acting after she had graduated from the Stanford University and later acquired a master's degree from the Yale School of Drama. She got her big break in Ridley Scott's 1979 sci-fi horror film ‘Alien' in which she played the heroine, Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley. This role not only brought her fame across the globe but also defined a new trend on the portrayal of female characters in the action movies.
Weaver reprised the Ripley character in James Cameron's “Aliens” (1986), which earned her an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination. She reprised the role in “Alien 3” (1992) directed by David Fincher, and “Alien Resurrection” (1997) which was also co-produced and directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
Beyond the “Alien” franchise, Weaver has delivered powerful performances in a variety of genres. In 1988, she earned Academy Award nominations for her roles in “Gorillas in the Mist” and “Working Girl,” winning Golden Globes for both. Her versatility was further evident in films like “Ghostbusters II” (1989), “The Year of Living Dangerously” (1982), and the critically acclaimed “The Ice Storm” (1997), for which she won a BAFTA Award and received a Golden Globe nomination.
Weaver's stage career is equally impressive. She received a Tony Award nomination for her role in “Hurlyburly” (1984) and has appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions, showcasing her range and depth as an actress. Her work in television has also been recognized with Emmy, Screen Actors Guild, and Golden Globe nominations for roles in “Prayers for Bobby” and “Political Animals.”
In recent years, Weaver has continued to captivate audiences with performances in “Avatar” (2009) and its sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water” (2022), as well as “Call Jane” (2022) and “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart” (2023). Her upcoming projects include the black comedy “Dust Bunny” alongside Mads Mikkelsen and “The Gorge” with Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy.
Weaver's contributions to cinema extend beyond her acting. She has been a steadfast advocate for environmental causes, serving as the Honorary Chair of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund for over three decades and receiving the National Audubon Society's Rachel Carson Award in 2009.
The 81st Venice International Film Festival, where Weaver will receive her Golden Lion, will run from August 30 to September 9, 2024, with the lineup to be announced on July 23. This recognition is a fitting tribute to an actress who has not only entertained but also inspired generations of moviegoers with her talent, resilience, and dedication to her craft.
