Kim Novak, 92, looks almost unrecognisable as she receives the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the Venice International Film Festival

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Kim Novak was virtually unchanged when she received the Golden Lion for a lifetime of achievement, following the release of a documentary chronicling her childhood struggle with poverty.

In a timeless style reminiscent of Old Hollywood, the 92-year-old actress who stars in the film “Kim Novak’s Vertigo,” gracefully donned an elegant emerald and black dress for the awards ceremony where she received her accolade.

Instead of her usual brown hair, she sported a chic blonde bob style and adorned herself with a sparkling diamond brooch.

In 2014 at the Oscars, Kim attracted significant attention due to a more rounded appearance, leading to widespread criticism from viewers, as many were not pleased with her new look.

Even back then, Donald Trump expressed his opinion about her appearance, posting on Twitter, ‘Her plastic surgeon ought to face a lawsuit by Kim!’

In a public post on Facebook, Kim responded to criticism by stating: “Following my performance at the Oscars this year, I have read through various comments. I am aware of what Donald Trump and others mentioned, and I want to openly admit that I did indeed undergo facial treatments involving fat injections.

She further explained that it appeared less intrusive compared to a facelift. This procedure was carried out in 2012 specifically for the TCM interview special. In my view, everyone should have the freedom to look their best, and I personally feel more confident when I look good.

In simple terms, her candid documentary recounts her remarkable journey – growing up in Chicago during the Great Depression era, achieving a decade of fame as a Hollywood star, and eventually stepping away from the film industry.

She expresses about the disclosures: ‘I’ve been having the urge to uncover the recollections that have been concealed within the depths of my mind.’

Among them are her mother Blanche, who, twice tried to kill her. 

Initially, she unsuccessfully tried to end the life of an infant by using knitting needles. Later, when that method proved ineffective, she unfortunately resorted to suffocating the baby with a pillow.

Additionally, she mentioned that her father, Joseph – whom she described as having mental health problems – stored the remains of her deceased baby brother in a jar within the basement of their family residence.

In the movie, she expresses that the Great Depression led to immense difficulties. Due to financial constraints, her mother found herself unable to care for a newborn.

In an attempt to terminate me, she used knitting needles, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Subsequently, she attempted to smother me with a pillow.

‘I remember fighting to stay alive. I won, I stayed alive, and made it through.’

She mentioned that it was actually her sister who discovered her brother’s preserved embryo stored among their father’s assortment of animals and insects in the basement.

‘The foetus, his only son, in the basement. He kept him,’ she said. 

As a devoted follower, I once served as an educator in the heart of Czechoslovakia, yet my journey led me to the bustling landscapes of America where I found myself working diligently as a railroad dispatcher.

He consistently disapproved of her rise to fame, seldom expressed his pride for her achievements, and rarely attended her movie premieres.

According to filmmaker Alexandre Philippe, he was surprised to receive a voicemail from Novak detailing these narratives. Upon hearing it, he exclaimed, “Is it too dark?”

Alexandre Phillippe, the filmmaker, was taken aback when he received a voicemail from Novak sharing these tales. Upon listening to it, he expressed, “Could it be too dark?

He added: ‘It is a privilege to share all these very powerful secrets and memories.’

Novak journeyed from her 13 acre horse ranch in Oregon to accept the honour from the festival.

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2025-09-01 22:19