VENICE -- The 81st Venice International Film Festival has drawn to a close after ten days showcasing groundbreaking cinema, star-studded premieres, and films and talent conveying powerful statements both on and off the screen. Reaffirming its growing role as a launchpad for Oscar contenders, the festival once again proved its worth in the global film landscape.

 Golden Lion and Major Awards

 ROME -- Jannik Sinner, the savior of Italian tennis, came into the semifinals at the US Open heavily favored. But he was going up against Jack Draper of Great Britain who had gone through five matches in a row without losing a set. Draper’s heavy lefthanded first serve gave him a puncher’s chance against any player, even the world’s #1. Draper stayed even with Sinner until 5-5, at which point he scattered three double faults amid a couple of aces. When he lost his serve, Sinner had only to hold his to win 7-5.