Controversial director Woody Allen was applauded in northern Italy on Monday night when his latest film was screened out of competition at the 80th annual Venice Film Festival.
The veteran filmmaker was joined by his wife Soon-Yi Previn and their adopted daughters Manzie Tio, 23, and Bechet, 24, at the premiere of the new film Coup De Chance, a French thriller starring Niels Schneider and Lou de Laage in the leading role.
Allen, 87, was holding hands with Previn, 52, as they arrived at the Venice Lido ahead of the first official screening.
The American director looked suitably groomed in a black dinner suit, white shirt and bow tie as he greeted photographers alongside his wife, who opted for an elegant evening dress.
Appearing at a press conference earlier that day, Allen admitted that he has been “very lucky all my life” and has “not been held accountable for things I’ve done badly” in his job.
Side by side: Woody Allen was joined by wife Soon-Yi Previn Monday night at the Venice premiere of new film Coup De Chance
In attendance: Allen and Previn’s adoptees were also in attendance for a rare shame show with their parents (LR Woody Allen, Soon-Yi Previn, Bechet Allen, and Manzie Tio Allen)
Brave: The American director looked appropriately groomed in a black dinner suit, white shirt and bow tie as he greeted photographers
The four-time Oscar winner has been a divisive figure in Hollywood in recent years, with many of the stars of his films distancing themselves from him following a renewed focus on allegations that he sexually assaulted his adoptive daughter, Dylan Farrow, which he vehemently denies. . .
However, Allen said that he has been blessed with good fortune throughout his life and career.
Speaking at a press conference for his new film Coup De Chance at the Venice Film Festival, where the film is being screened out of competition, he told reporters: ‘I’ve been very, very lucky; actually my whole life happiness.
“I had two loving parents, I have good friends. I have a wonderful wife and marriage, two children.
“In a few months I will be 88 years old. I have never been in hospital. Nothing terrible has ever happened to me. I have been very lucky all my life.
“When I started making movies, all the people chose to emphasize what I was good at, and not hold me responsible for the things I did badly. They were very generous with me.
“And I’ve been very lucky in my filmmaking. And I’ve had a lot of undeserved praise and an enormous amount of attention and respect throughout my life.
Opening: Appearing at a press conference earlier that day, Allen admitted that he has been “very lucky all my life” and “has not been held accountable for things I have done badly”
Say cheese: The family gathered on Monday night as they posed for photos in Venice
Greetings: Allen posed for photographers after arriving at the Venice Lido on Monday night
Iconic: The director is best known for films such as 1977’s Annie Hall, 1979’s Manhattan, 1986’s Hannah And Her Sisters, and 1989’s Crimes And Misdemeanors
Family: (L-R) Woody Allen, Soon-Yi Previn and their adopted daughters Manzie Tio Allen and Bechet Allen on the red carpet
“And so I’m just lucky, and of course I hope it holds, it’s early this afternoon.
“So far I’ve been very lucky.”
Allen is best known for films such as 1977’s Annie Hall, 1979’s Manhattan, 1986’s Hannah And Her Sisters, and 1989’s Crimes And Misdemeanors.
In 2020, Allen hit back at Hollywood stars who denounced him, saying it “is like everyone is suddenly eating kale.”
Stars like Mira Sorvino, Greta Gerwig, Colin Firth and Rebecca Hall are among the names who have distanced themselves from the director, having previously worked with him.
From being one of the most important living directors, he has gone from struggling to secure funding for his films in the US.
His latest film is his first in French and was shot in Paris, starring Lou de Laage and Valerie Lemercier.
Center stage: Allen also posed on the red carpet with his cast on Monday (LR d Valerie Lemercier, Woody Allen and Lou de Laâge)
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