Danny Boyle received Variety’s Creative Impact in Directing Award during a pre-opening celebration at the Venice Film Festival on Monday evening. The ceremony took place at the Hotel Excelsior’s poolside terrace, ahead of Boyle’s Wednesday night opening of “Ink,” a film examining the British tabloid The Sun’s influence on media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s rise to power. During his remarks, Boyle expressed surprise at festival director Alberto Barbera’s selection, describing the film as unusually unconventional for a festival opener.
Actor Jack O’Connell, who portrays Sun editor Larry Lamb in “Ink,” presented the award to Boyle and highlighted the director’s distinctive talent. O’Connell noted that while many filmmakers can present audiences with a world, Boyle possesses the rare ability to immerse viewers within it. He credited Boyle with consistently capturing the British character throughout his career, citing achievements ranging from “Trainspotting” to his orchestration of London’s Olympic opening ceremony.
The event marked the return of Variety’s annual pre-opening party following a one-year hiatus. Barbera emphasized the gathering’s significance beyond social networking, describing it as an opportunity to honor cinema and those who create it. The festival, running through September 12, was characterized by Barbera as a crucial convergence point for international filmmaking professionals and enthusiasts, promising screenings, discussions, and unexpected moments ahead.
Originally reported by Variety →
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