The Venice Biennale decides not to award its traditional “Golden Lion” prize this year, as the event faces ongoing turmoil linked to the participation of Russia and Israel. According to reports, the Biennale’s jury resignations follow disputes over whether Russia and Israel should be included, with the controversy escalating to the point that the jury steps down. In place of the Golden Lion, the Biennale announces that the public will select winners through “Visitor Lions,” shifting the role of awarding from the jury to audience voting. Multiple outlets describe the decision as part of a broader effort to maintain the event while addressing the breakdown within the jury. The Biennale also states that Russia and Israel will remain in the running despite the jury’s withdrawal, making clear that their participation is still part of the program. The changes affect how prizes are determined, moving away from the conventional jury-led award structure toward public voting for the designated “Visitor Lions.”