Ellen Burstyn Cries as She Gets Venice Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement: ‘It’s One Thing to Win an Oscar, Tony or Emmy — All of Which I’ve Won. But This Is a Lot’

Ellen Burstyn became emotional at the Venice Film Festival as she received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, marking a major tribute for the 93-year-old acting legend.

Before Burstyn took the stage, Maggie Gyllenhaal addressed the audience from the podium with a brief update on Burstyn’s condition. “Ellen asked me to let you know that she recently took a fall,” Gyllenhaal said. “She’s OK.”

Burstyn then appeared to accept the prestigious lifetime achievement honor, and the moment visibly moved her. Reflecting on the significance of the award, Burstyn said, “It’s one thing to win an Oscar, Tony or Emmy — all of which I’ve won. But this is a lot.”

The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement recognizes Burstyn’s long career in the entertainment industry, and her reaction underscored the personal weight of receiving the honor at Venice.

Gyllenhaal’s remarks also clarified that Burstyn’s recent fall had not prevented her from attending the festival moment, with the actress taking the stage herself after the message was delivered.