Oregon former actress Kim Novak receives Lifetime Achievement award

Hollywood legend Kim Novak received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 1, 2025.

The 92-year-old actress was honored for a career spanning nearly four decades, highlighted by her unforgettable performances in films like Vertigo (1958), Picnic (1955), and Bell, Book and Candle (1958).

“I am deeply, deeply touched to receive the prestigious Golden Lion Award from such an enormously respected film festival,” Novak said in a statement before the ceremony. “To be recognized for my body of work at this time in my life is a dream come true.”

Novak has called Oregon home for more than 30 years. After retiring from acting in the early 1990s, she settled in southern Oregon, where she met her husband and devoted her time to painting, poetry, and raising horses.

Why does Kim Novak live in Oregon?

Novak was born in Chicago, but often spent her childhood visiting Oregon, where her family has a long history. Her Czech immigrant grandparents were some of the first settlers in Scappoose, and she still has relatives in the Portland area.

Over her career, Novak has earned a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and an Honorary Golden Berlin Bear, among other honors.

What is the Kim Novak’s Vertigo documentary about?

Novak collaborated with filmmaker Alexandre Philippe on the documentary Kim Novak’s Vertigo, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival alongside her lifetime achievement honor.

The documentary explores Novak’s experience filming Vertigo and her journey from Hollywood stardom to a quiet life in Oregon.

A separate biopic titled Scandalous! is also in development. Directed by Colman Domingo, the film stars Sydney Sweeney as Novak and David Jonsson as Sammy Davis Jr. Novak herself is not directly involved in the project.