The Woodstock Film Festival announced in a press release Monday, that actor and producer Susan Sarandon will receive the honorary Maverick Award, presented annually to leaders in the film and media industries who demonstrate a fiercely independent and unparalleled artistic vision. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 14 at Backstage Studio Productions in Kingston, though the festival runs from October 11 to 15. Past recipients include Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan), Richard Linklater (Boyhood), Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs), and more.
“I’m thrilled to receive the Maverick Award for this year’s Woodstock Film Festival,” said Sarandon in the press release. “Mavericks forge their own path and move through life by taking chance, and it’s and honor to be added to the Woodstock Film Festival’s Catalog of distinguished recipients. I look forward to heading up to Woodstock for the 18th annual festival.”
Between starring in both film and television, and producing for some years, Sarandon’s career is both diverse and extensive. In addition to receiving an award that celebrates her career, the Woodstock Film Festival will also screen Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017), which Sarandon executive produced.
“Presenting our honorary Maverick Award to Susan Sarandon this year is a privilege,” Woodstock Film Festival co-founder and executive director, Meira Blaustein said in the press release. “Not only is she one of the most accomplished and talented actors of our times, but also a supporter and producer of many socially relevant, impactful films, and a strong advocate for gender equality in the entertainment industry.”
Fans of Sarandon might remember her character Sally in Atlantic City, or Louise in Thelma & Louise, for which she earned Oscar nominations. She also appeared in television shows like Saturday Night Live, Mike & Molly, and Friends, where she gave Joey some advice on the set of Days of Our Lives. Sarandon also won both an Academy Award and a SAG Award for her role as Sister Helen in Dead Man Walking.
Along with her time on the big screen, Sarandon works with human rights organizations like Film Aid International and social justice advocate MADRE. She is also known for her contribution to the film industry and women’s rights, where such work helped her win the Women in Motion Award alongside Thelma & Louise co-star Geena Davis at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.
Even though Sarandon is fresh off her role opposite Jessica Lange in Bette & Joan, she still has more projects in the works, including the newest season of Showtime’s Ray Donovan with Live Schreiber, The Death & Life of John F. Donovan with Kit Harrington and Jessica Chastain, and Going Places with John Turturro, Boby Cannavale, and Audrey Tautou.
Visit the Woodstock Film Festival website for more information about the event and past festivals. Full festival passes are currently on sale with individual ticketing information to be released in early September.