Organizers of the Venice Biennale have awarded the Italian American artist, choreographer, and dancer Simone Forti the 2023 Golden Lion for lifetime achievement in the field of dance.

“I didn’t know what the Golden Lion was,” the eighty-seven-year-old told the New York Times, adding, “If someone has to take the role and stand there holding it, I am honored to be the one to do it for the community.”