Dark Joker Just Won Its First Major Award

Todd Phillips' dark comic book film Joker won the Golden Lion Award at the 76th Venice International Film Festival on Saturday and cemented its place as a legitimate contender for the rest of the awards season. Jury president Lucretia Martel announced the winners of the prestigious award during a ceremony on the Lido. The Golden Lion previously put a spotlight on films that went on to be major awards season players, such as Roma and the film academy's 2018 best picture winner, The Shape of Water. "I want to thank Warner Bros. and DC for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking such a bold swing on me and this movie," Phillips said with star Joaquin Phoenix by his side on stage, per the AP.

Phoenix did not win the best actor prize—it went to Italian actor Luca Marinelli for the Jack London adaptation Martin Eden— but the director of Joker dedicated much of his speech to the talents of his leading man. In the film, Phoenix's character transforms from struggling stand-up comedian Arthur Fleck into Batman's classic nemesis. "Thank you for trusting me with your insane talents," Phillips said to Phoenix. The film opens in the US on Oct. 4. Roman Polanski's Dreyfus affair film, An Officer and a Spy, won the grand jury prize, which recognizes other strong contenders for the Golden Lion.

(More Joaquin Phoenix stories.)