Washington [US], April 8: Renowned German filmmaker Werner Herzog will be honored with the prestigious Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 82nd Venice Film Festival, set to take place from August 27 to September 6.
Accepting the award, Herzog expressed gratitude, stating, “I feel deeply honored to receive a Lifetime Achievement Honorary Golden Lion by the Venice Biennale. I have always tried to be a Good Soldier of Cinema, and this feels like a medal for my work. Thank you.” Despite receiving a lifetime achievement award, the acclaimed director emphasized that he is far from retired.
Herzog revealed that he recently wrapped a documentary titled Ghost Elephants in Africa and is currently filming his next feature Bucking Fastard in Ireland. He is also developing an animated film based on his novel The Twilight World and lending his voice to a character in Bong Joon Ho’s upcoming animated project.
Born in Munich in 1942, Herzog made his first film at the age of 19 and quickly became a leading voice in the New German Cinema movement. Some of his most iconic works include Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Fitzcarraldo, Grizzly Man, and Cave of Forgotten Dreams. Beyond film, Herzog is also an accomplished author of poetry and prose.
Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera praised Herzog as a “physical filmmaker and indefatigable hiker,” describing him as a pioneer who has always challenged cinematic conventions. Barbera noted Herzog’s unique ability to blur the lines between fiction and documentary while exploring themes such as the limits of human perception, the power of nature, and the relationship between sound and image.
Herzog joins a prestigious list of filmmakers celebrated by Venice, affirming his enduring impact on global cinema.