The Queer Lion

The Venice Film Festival has announced a new award, according to the BBC.

The Queer Lion award will be bestowed upon the best full-length film featuring a gay theme or character.

Films entering the main competition are eligible for the award, as are other films being shown at the festival, which runs from 29 August to 8 September.

A small international jury will select the winner, who will be presented with a gold plaque featuring the Venice Lion winged logo with the rainbow colours of the gay pride flag on the wings.

The Berlin International Film Festival has been handing out a similar prize, the Teddy Award, for the past 21 years as an offshoot of its Golden Bear award.