Reese Witherspoon to Receive Chairman’s Award at Palm Springs International Film Festival
Zack Sharf
Reese Witherspoon is having one hell of a 2014. Not only has the Oscar-winning actress turned in strong supporting work in films such as “The Good Lie” and Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming “Inherent Vice,” but she has also flexed her producing muscles on David Fincher’s “Gone Girl” and Jean-Marc Vallee’s “Wild,” the latter of which stars the actress in what is arguably the best performance of her entire career.
While an Oscar nomination seems likely given Witherspoon’s soulful, vanity-shattering performance in “Wild,” the actress will be feeling the awards love weeks earlier when the 26th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival honors her with this year’s Chairman’s Award. Past recipients include Ben Affleck, George Clooney, Richard Gere, Tom Hanks, Dustin Hoffman and Nicole Kidman.
“Reese Witherspoon delivers one of her finest performances in ‘Wild,'” said Festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “She brilliantly brings to life the true story of Cheryl Strayed, adding yet another iconic performance to her impressive 20-year span of characters including June Carter, Tracy Flick and Elle Woods.”
The Gala will also present awards to previously announced honorees Richard Linklater, Julianne Moore, Eddie Redmayne, Rosamund Pike and J.K. Simmons. Mary Hart hosts the event on Saturday, January 3 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
