The most debated Venice Biennale of recent decades will, for the first time, feature two awards decided by visitors—the only prizes to be given this year. This exceptional decision follows the mass resignation, on April 30, of the international jury appointed just weeks earlier. The resignation came in response to criticism of the jury's decision to exclude countries whose leaders are accused of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court, including Russia and Israel. A week before the opening, the Venice Biennale made a risky decision by not hiring a new jury, awarding only two prizes, and having them awarded by visitors, with the awards ceremony taking place on Sunday, November 22, the exhibition's final day. The Visitors' Lions will be awarded to the top individual and national participants. Ticket holders who visited the two exhibition venues between May 9 and November 22 will be able to vote for the Visitors' Lions. The ticketing system will trace visits to both locations to verify them. The ticket holder may only vote once for each of the two rewards in a single session.