The Palazzo del Cinema crowd gave what seemed an interminable standing ovation to Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, as they were called onto the stage by Festival Director Alberto Barbera to receive the Golden Lion.

It was the first time in the festival’s history that the career prize was given to two filmmakers at the same time, and never could it have been more appropriate. Fonda and Redford – who together have 12 Golden Globe wins – have appeared in five films including Barefoot in the Park (1967) and The Electric Horseman (1979). Their fifth collaboration – Our Souls At Night – premiered here after the ceremony.

Inside thePalazzo del Cinema at Venice 2017 during the Golden Lion ceremony for Jane Fonda and Robert Redford.

hfpa/luca celada

More than that- for much of the world they represent a generation and a vital season in American film, as Barbera put it – “the best of Hollywood”. “True filmmakers,” Barbera continued, “they were never prisoners of their beauty – which on the one hand did not hurt to make us dream.”

Fonda (79) and Redford (80) seemed overcome with genuine emotion as they recalled a creative partnership and a friendship spanning over 50 years. “The last time I was in Venice was fifty years ago,” recalled the actress. “And yet it seems like I’m just getting started.”