VENICE — September 13, 2026. Danish filmmaker May el-Toukhy won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for Woman Unknown, a historical drama examining the treatment of women accused of relationships with German soldiers following World War II.
Mathilde Arcel won Best Actress for her performance in the film. John Malkovich received Best Actor for Wild Horse Nine, while South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong’s Possible Love received the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize.
El-Toukhy was the only female director among the 21 filmmakers competing for Venice’s top award. That imbalance became an important part of the conversation surrounding the festival even as jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal emphasized that Woman Unknown was selected for its artistic achievement.
The story behind the film
The drama explores how women’s bodies and personal relationships became political battlegrounds during the aftermath of occupation. Its victory continues a festival season in which filmmakers have used historical stories to examine present-day questions about power, gender and public punishment.
The result can celebrate a major accomplishment while still leaving a larger industry question unanswered: why was only one woman selected to direct a film in the main competition?
What is confirmed
The awards and competition numbers are official. Whether the win will lead to wider distribution, major commercial success or lasting improvements in representation remains uncertain.
Sources: Reuters, September 13, 2026; Complete winners list.