On Wednesday evening, Liberatum hosted its Women in Creativity gala in conjunction with the 81st Venice International Film Festival. The event honored Oscar, Emmy, and Tony-winning actress Ellen Burstyn with the Liberatum Pioneer Award for her significant contributions to cinema and her role in advancing societal movements such as women’s liberation in Hollywood.
Notable attendees included actress Taylor Russell, filmmaker Debra Granik, art historian Diana Picasso, and Syrian director Soudade Kaadan, among others. Burstyn, at 91 years old, expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the beauty of Venice and the profound impact of the award on her career.
Burstyn's career in film spans over seven decades, during which she has been a vocal advocate for social justice causes, including active involvement in the Civil Rights era. Her achievements include being the third woman in history to win both a Tony and an Academy Award in the same year in 1975.
The gala, held at the Blue Pavilion by Palazzina Grassi, featured a luxurious setting with a pool in the center of the room, dinner tables, and a DJ. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal and engaged in a panel discussion with Burstyn, where she shared anecdotes about her experiences in Italy and her early involvement in social movements.
Liberatum, founded by Pablo Ganguli, aims to promote social change through culture by empowering individuals and advocating for diversity, equal rights, freedom of expression, tolerance, and acceptance. The organization has previously honored influential figures such as Angela Bassett, Nicole Kidman, and Viola Davis with the Pioneer Award.
