Russell Crowe Tears Up as 'What Love Builds' Premieres at Venice

Russell Crowe was visibly moved at the Venice International Film Festival, wiping away tears as his directorial documentary 'What Love Builds' screened for an enthusiastic audience.

Fans cheered as the actor entered the theatre, with one calling out a message of affection before the premiere got under way. The crowd applauded throughout as the film moved between live performance footage and an interview in which Crowe reflects on his twin careers in film and music.

The screening ended with a brief but spirited two-minute ovation, cut short when Crowe, still dabbing at his eyes, chose to leave the auditorium.

'What Love Builds' draws on concert footage, archival photographs and interviews gathered over roughly 15 years. A synopsis describes it as revealing and deeply personal, showing how music and acting are intertwined through storytelling and performance, and offering a rare look at the inspirations behind the artist.

Beyond his screen work, Crowe has sustained a long passion for music, performing with bands including 30 Odd Foot of Grunts, the Ordinary Fear of God and, most recently, Indoor Garden Party.

The New Zealand-born actor, 62, came to international prominence in the late 1990s with roles in 'L.A. Confidential' and 'The Insider', and won the Best Actor Oscar for Ridley Scott's 2000 epic 'Gladiator'. He made his directorial debut in 2014 with 'The Water Diviner' and later directed 2022's 'Poker Face', which starred Liam Hemsworth and RZA.

His recent acting credits include last year's acclaimed 'Nuremberg', in which he played Hermann Göring, and the historical drama 'The Weight' alongside Ethan Hawke, which premiered at Sundance earlier this year.