Video Contests, Film Festivals, and Awards

(Chicago, IL) It's a "Woman's World" as three mesmerizing, versatile actors are honored with the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF)'s Silver Hugo for their significant achievements and contributions to the arts. Joan Allen (October 14), Viola Davis (October 22) and Helen Hunt (October 20) will accept the awards during three respective special evenings at the AMC River East (322 E. Illinois St.).

"Each of these actors brings so much passion and charisma to the roles they portray. It is our privilege to honor them at this year's festival," said Head of Programming of the Chicago International Film Festival Mimi Plauché. "Their work has transcended time and I know that we will continue to see great things from each of them for years to come."

"An Evening with Joan Allen," on October 14, will celebrate the Illinois native and Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member as she participates in an intimate discussion about her extensive career and various accomplishments on both stage and screen. The Winner of a Tony® Award for Best Actress (Lanford Wilson's "Burn This") and three time Academy Award® nominee ("Nixon," "The Crucible" and "The Contender," will also appear as part of the Festival's "The Chicagoans" and "REELWOMEN" programs. "The Chicagoans" presents a series of master classes and conversations with notable native and adopted Chicagoans who have left their mark in the movie industry while "REELWOMEN" celebrates the contributions women made and continue to make to film around the world. "An Evening with Joan Allen" begins with a red carpet presentation at 6 p.m. at the AMC River East.

Recognized as one of the most versatile and commanding actresses of this generation, Viola Davis receives the CIFF's Career Achievement Award during the festival's Black Perspectives program October 22 at the AMC River East. A powerhouse talent of stage, television and film, the Academy Award® nominated actress ("Doubt," "The Help") will join the ranks of past recipients including Morgan Freeman, Halle Berry and Sidney Poitier as she accepts a Silver Hugo for the rich characters and nuanced performances she has embodied throughout her career. The red carpet event begins at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by the award ceremony and a retrospective of Davis' work.

Academy Award®, Golden Globe®, and Emmy® award winning actress Helen Hunt ("As Good As It Gets," "Castaway") will attend the Special Presentation of Ben Lewin's much anticipated film "The Sessions", October 20 at the AMC River East. Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California-based journalist and poet Mark O'Brien and co-starring John Hawkes and William H. Macy, "The Sessions" tells the story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined, at age 38, to lose his virginity. Hunt will accept the Silver Hugo for her breadth of work and participate in a post-screening Q&A session. The red carpet event presented by the Cinema/Chicago Junior Board starts at 7 p.m.

The 48th Chicago International Film Festival will take place October 11-25, 2012.
The full schedule will be announced on September 20th.

Resources: www.chicagofilmfestival.com