VENICE , Italy, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. visual artist Julian Schnabel has been honored at the Venice Film Festival for directing the film "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly."
The painter, who also has directed the films "Before Night Falls" and "Basquiat," received the 2007 Gucci Group Award at a ceremony held Monday at the Palazzo Grassi.
The group said it bestows its awards to internationally-acclaimed artists who make remarkable contributions to a film.
"Painting can be compared to life, but is about optimism and faith. Artistic expression is the embodiment of hope," Schnabel said upon receiving the award.
"Julian Schnabel's 'Le Scaphandre et le Papillion,' ('The Diving Bell and the Butterfly') perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Gucci Group Award, which recognizes and honors visionaries who bring art to life on screen," said Robert Polet, chief executive officer and chairman of Gucci Group.
