Film legend Kim Novak, celebrated for her groundbreaking roles in Hollywood, was recently awarded the prestigious Icon Award at the Deauville American Film Festival in France on September 6, 2025. At 92 years old, Novak’s rare appearance on the red carpet was a treat for fans, as she wore a stunning white gown with a silvery overlay, embodying the grace and timeless beauty that made her an iconic figure in cinema.
The award was presented to Novak by Benjamin Millepied, a dancer and choreographer, who praised her remarkable journey in the film industry. The festival organizers described the honor as a celebration of her individuality and unique approach to acting. “Far from the female stereotypes shaped by the industry, she asserted her individuality through a raw, instinctive performance style,” they noted. After years of being misunderstood, Novak’s bold and innovative work is now rightly celebrated.
The ceremony coincided with a screening of her new documentary, Kim Novak’s Vertigo, directed by Alexandre O. Philippe. The film offers an in-depth look at Novak’s life, shedding light on her fiercely independent nature in a Hollywood that often sought to mold her into something else. Her career, marked by iconic roles such as in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo and 1955’s Picnic, took a turn in the late 1960s as she shifted her focus from acting to painting, stepping back from the screen. Her last role was in the 1991 film Liebestraum.
Recently, Novak was also honored with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice International Film Festival. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a “dream come true.” “I cherish every moment spent in Venice,” Novak said, deeply moved by the honor.
Kim Novak’s Vertigo stands as a testament to her legacy, with her manager, Sue Cameron, noting, “This film reveals the real Kim Novak, not just the Hollywood star.” Novak was known for fiercely defending her individuality, turning down offers that sought to exploit her story for gossip, remaining true to herself and her craft. Cameron went on to say, “She’s the last living golden goddess of film,” underscoring Novak’s pioneering role for women in the industry.
Following its debut in Venice, Kim Novak’s Vertigo is scheduled to be shown at the BFI London Film Festival this October, continuing to inspire audiences with the remarkable life and legacy of one of Hollywood’s true legends.
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