Ellen Burstyn made a glamorous return to the spotlight at the Venice Film Festival on Monday, where the Oscar-winning actress was honoured with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement.
The 93-year-old star, best known for her performances in The Exorcist and Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, appeared at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival for the presentation of the prestigious award. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/16293fb6fdfa0321256d0eb367f6d5b8))
Burstyn’s appearance coincided with the world premiere of Flesh Impact, a short film directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and screened out of competition. The film also stars Dakota Johnson, Peter Sarsgaard and Sepideh Moafi. ([labiennale.org](https://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/2026/venice-open-out-competition/flesh-impact))
Dedicated to what would have been Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, the film sees Johnson portray Monroe at the height of her fame, while Burstyn plays an imagined version of the actress later in life.
The project was among the main reasons for Burstyn’s return to Venice, alongside recognition of a career spanning more than six decades. La Biennale described her as a performer of “rare intensity and truth” whose work has included around 150 films. ([labiennale.org](https://www.labiennale.org/en/news/ellen-burstyn-golden-lion-lifetime-achievement))
Burstyn is also appearing at this year’s festival in Place to Be, directed by Kornél Mundruczó and co-starring Taika Waititi. She is scheduled to take part in a Venice masterclass on Tuesday. ([labiennale.org](https://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/2026/program-cinema-2026-public/place-be-2026-09-10-09-00?utm_source=openai))
