Kim Novak, 92, Makes Rare Public Appearance at Venice Film Festival After Leaving Hollywood
Iconic film star Kim Novak doesn't spend much time on red carpets these days.
Novak, 92, who was rocketed to superstardom for her role in Alfred Hitchcock's legendary 1958 film Vertigo, arrived at the Venice International Film Festival in Italy on Friday to the delight of fans and followers who are eager to see the beloved star who ditched Hollywood nearly 60 years ago.
Dressed all in black, Novak, who is portrayed by Sydney Sweeney in Scandalous, a new film directed byColman Domingo, waved at photographers as she arrived at the big event. Sporting oversized sunglasses and her trademark blonde bob, the star made it clear she was ready to take the festival by storm.
While Novak currently lives in Oregon, she left Hollywood back in 1966. In a rare interview with the New York Times published earlier this week, she shared that Los Angeles wasn't the right place for her.
“When I left Hollywood, it isn’t like I just wrapped up my life,” she told the publication. “Suddenly I was free to express everything on canvas and not have to be the canvas.”
Why Is Kim Novak at the Venice International Film Festival?
Novak will receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement on Sept. 1 at the festival. In a statement, the festival's artistic director explained that they chose to honor Novak for that same independent spirit that drove her away from Hollywood decades ago.
“This Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement celebrates Kim Novak’s legacy but also her rebellious nature,” Alberto Barbera, artistic director of the festival, told the Times in an email. “Like Marilyn Monroe, she was a creature of the old studio system, molding both of them as pure objects of seduction. But unlike Marilyn, Kim fought back, refusing the gilded prison. Marilyn ended up a victim of her own success, while Kim stepped away just in time, retreating into private life.”
In response to the news that she would be receiving the award, Novak expressed her gratitude.
“I am deeply, deeply touched to receive the prestigious Golden Lion Award from such an enormously respected film festival,” she said in a statement. “To be recognized for my body of work at this time in my life is a dream come true. I will treasure every moment I spend in Venice. It will fill my heart with joy.”
In addition to the award, a documentary about her life, Kim Novak’s Vertigo, will also debut at the festival, according to PEOPLE.
Related: Kim Novak, 92, Has No Regrets About Leaving Hollywood Almost 60 Years Ago
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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