Martin McDonagh Premieres Wild Horse Nine at Venice
The film drew a 14-minute ovation and early awards talk after critics praised Martin McDonagh’s first feature in four years.
- On Thursday, September 3, 2026, Director Martin McDonagh's Wild Horse Nine premiered at the 83rd Venice Film Festival, earning a rapturous 14-minute standing ovation in the Sala Grande.
- Set in 1973 shortly before the coup against President Salvador Allende, the film follows CIA agents John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as they are dispatched from Santiago to Easter Island.
- Beyond the political backdrop, the film explores "guilt and regret" through an ensemble cast including Steve Buscemi, Parker Posey, and Tom Waits, generating significant awards buzz.
- McDonagh acknowledged the story feels "unexpectedly relevant" to present-day geopolitics, noting that covert American intervention continues despite historical parallels to 1973 Chile.
- One of 21 films competing for the Golden Lion, Wild Horse Nine will receive a theatrical release from Searchlight Pictures on November 6, 2026.
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In the clever comedy »Wild Horse Nine«, John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell play two CIA agents, who in 1973 make the Chilean Easter Island insecure. The film should also be part of the Oscar race.
John Malkovich won the hearts of the Venice Film Festival with his performance in Wild Horse Nine and many see him as a favorite at this year's Oscars The post Wild Horse Nine: The 13-minute applause in Venice, John Malkovich's emotion and the Oscars in the background appeared first on in.gr.
Martin McDonagh's black comedy was positioned as one of the great Oscar contestants after the world premiere at the festival.
Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine Starring John Malkovich Draws 13-Minute Ovation at Venice, Enters Oscar Race
Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine received a 13-minute standing ovation at its Venice Film Festival premiere, propelling John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell into the Oscar race.
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