Thu Sep 11 01:30:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the text:

**Summary:**

The 2024 Venice Film Festival jury, headed by Alexander Payne, awarded the Golden Lion to Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother,” a decision that sparked questions from the press. Many expected Kaouther Ben Hania’s “The Voice of Hind Rajab” to win, especially after its highly emotional premiere. Payne defended the jury’s choice, emphasizing that they valued both films equally and that the decision was very close. He also denied rumors of a juror threatening to quit over disagreements about the awards.
**News Article:**

**Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother” Wins Golden Lion, Venice Jury Defends Choice Amid Controversy**

VENICE, ITALY – The awarding of the Golden Lion to Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother” at the Venice Film Festival has ignited debate, with jury president Alexander Payne facing questions about the decision at a post-ceremony press conference. Many critics and audience members had predicted that Kaouther Ben Hania’s “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” a powerful Gaza drama, would take home the top prize, particularly after receiving a 22-minute standing ovation at its premiere. The film ultimately received the Grand Jury Prize.

Payne defended the jury’s decision, stating, “As a jury, we treasure both of those films equally, each for its own reason.” He acknowledged the difficulty of choosing between the two films, adding, “If we had voted the day before, the day later, it might have been different… it’s for .000001% of having to make some kind of decision.”

The jury consisted of notable figures in cinema including Fernanda Torres, Mohammad Rasoulof, Cristian Mungiu, Stéphane Brizé, Maura Delpero and Zhao Tao.

Payne also addressed rumors circulating online that a member of the jury had threatened to quit due to disagreements over the awards. He firmly denied these claims, saying, “One of my jurors threatened to quit? I did?! No, did someone threaten to quit? No. I think we know … not to believe everything we read online.”

While “Father Mother Sister Brother” secured the Golden Lion, Payne stressed that the jury hopes the awards will provide support and recognition for both films, each contributing to the cinematic landscape in its own way.

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