Sofia Coppola’s ‘Somewhere’ wins in Venice

VENICE - Sofia Coppola’s “Somewhere,” the tale of an actor who sees the emptiness of his existence through the eyes of his child, won the top Golden Lion prize at the Venice film festival Saturday.

Director Quentin Tarantino headed the jury, which unanimously chose Coppola’s film as the best movie at the 11-day annual festival.

The buzz in the final days of the festival had pegged Somewhere as a sure winner, and the jury appeared to have had no doubts, either.

“This film enchanted us from its first screening,” Tarantino said. “It has the artistry we were looking for in a Golden Lion [winner].”

Coppola has described the film, which made its world premiere at Venice, as a “portrait of today’s L.A.”

Somewhere is the fourth feature by Coppola, who is also one of the few female directors ever to be nominated for an Academy Award.

In Somewhere, Stephen Dorff plays a Hollywood star whose somewhat empty life is enriched by the arrival his daughter, played by Elle Fanning.

The film takes place nearly entirely in hotels, mostly the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles.

“Thanks to my dad for teaching me,” Coppola said, accepting the award.

AP