The awarding ceremony has taken place at the Teatro alle Tese dell¿Arsenale di Venezia; the last October 17th, the jury assigned four Golden Lions and two Honourable Mentions. For the first time ever, the awarding ceremony has been organised a month before the closing date of the exhibition, which has been Italy¿s most visited art event, in about 100 opening days. The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement has been assigned by the Board of Directors of the Biennale di Venezia to the artist Malick Sidibé (Soloba, Mali, 1936) on June 10th, on the occasion of the official opening to the public. The Golden Lion to an art critic or art historian for his or her contribution to Contemporary Art is awarded to Benjamin Buchloh. Honourable Mention to a national pavilion this special citation is given to the Lithuanian Pavilion featuring the artists Nomeda & Gediminas Urbonas. The Golden Lion for the best national participation is awarded to the Hungarian Pavilion featuring the artist Andreas Fogarasi. The Golden Lion to an artist under 40 overall, is given to Emily Jacir. The artist given an Honourable Mention for his participation in the central International Exhibition is Nedko Solakov. The Golden Lion to an artist exhibited in the central International Exhibition is given to León Ferrari.