Two years ago, Sigourney Weaver had the honor of presenting the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement to the esteemed filmmaker Paul Schrader. Little did she anticipate that just two years later, she would herself be the recipient of the same prestigious accolade.
Reflecting on her illustrious career, one quickly realizes that there are few actresses in contemporary cinema as deserving of this recognition as Weaver. From her iconic portrayals in “Alien,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Avatar,” she has undeniably made an indelible mark on some of the most renowned sci-fi franchises in film history. As Ellen Ripley, she redefined the archetype of a heroine in action and sci-fi genres.
While she is a three-time Oscar nominee, Weaver’s upcoming receipt of the Venice award speaks to her remarkable versatility and her knack for defying labels that sought to confine her, as described by Venice festival director Alberto Barbera. He aptly notes that she continuously challenged her own persona through a diverse range of roles, spanning from genre-defining movies to comedies, art-house films, and even children’s movies.
Sigourney Weaver’s upcoming honor at the Venice Film Festival solidifies her position as only the third American actress to ever receive this prestigious career award, following in the footsteps of luminaries Jane Fonda and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Despite hailing from a family with strong ties to showbiz—her mother was an actress, and her father was the renowned American TV executive Pat Weaver—Weaver’s rise to stardom was not guaranteed. In fact, her teachers at Yale initially viewed her as “talentless” and advised her to focus on comedy.
Delving into her expansive filmography, few actors can rival the remarkable string of films that Weaver amassed in the vibrant decade between 1979 and 1989. This includes standout performances in “Alien,” “Ghostbusters,” “Aliens,” “Working Girl,” “Gorillas in the Mist,” and “Ghostbusters II.” Throughout her career, she has collaborated with esteemed directors such as Ridley Scott, James Cameron, Paul Schrader, Peter Weir, and many others. Weaver’s influence expands beyond the silver screen, as she is also recognized for her substantial contributions to theater and conservation efforts.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Weaver delves into the past and present of the Alien franchise, offering insights into the future of her iconic character, Ellen Ripley. Additionally, she shares her experiences from notable career highs and challenges, along with an exciting preview of her upcoming endeavors, including her debut theater performance in London’s West End and her first role in a Star Wars film.
