Sir Patrick Stewart to Be Honored at 53rd Festival

Purchase Tickets for A Tribute to Patrick Stewart Online!

The 53rd Chicago International Film Festival, presented by Cinema/Chicago, announced today that film and theater legend Sir Patrick Stewart will be honored with the Gold Hugo Career Achievement Award!

The award will be presented on October 25, 2017 at a special event during the Festival to be held at the AMC River East 21 in Chicago. The Tribute to Patrick Stewart will be a one-of-a-kind salute to a towering figure of stage and screen and will feature an on-stage discussion with the actor showcasing highlights and clips from his decades-spanning career.

Earlier this year, the Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor earned some of the best reviews of his career as Professor Charles Xavier in Logan, reprising a role he originated in the first installment of the X-Men franchise and has played off and on for 17 years. Although perhaps best known for his turn as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek: The Next Generation films and television series, Stewart has amassed a rich and wildly varied résumé that includes riotous comedy (Robin Hood: Men in Tights, L.A. Story), heartfelt drama (Match), dark cult cinema (Green Room), and elevated English productions (I, Claudius). He is also a three-time Olivier Award winner and an Honorary Associate Artist with the Royal Shakespeare Company. In 2001, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth conferred on Stewart the order of the Officer of the British Empire (O.B.E.), and in 2010, he received a knighthood for his services to Drama.

“For decades, Patrick Stewart has captivated audiences with riveting performances in a variety of films, television series, and stage productions,” said Michael Kutza, Founder and CEO of the Chicago International Film Festival. “Though best known for his performances in the Star Trek and X-Men franchises, audiences have come to know that Stewart brings extraordinary complexity to all of his performances, regardless of genre.”

First awarded to King Vidor at the first Chicago International Film Festival, the Gold Hugo Career Achievement Award is given to an individual in cinema that has made a significant impact with their filmography and performances. Over the years, it has been awarded to numerous directors and screen legends, including director Robert Zemeckis, director Sydney Pollack, actor Robin Williams, actor Susan Sarandon, and, most recently, to actors Helen Mirren and Jane Fonda, among others.

A Tribute to Patrick Stewart will be held on Wednesday, October 25, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the AMC River East 21. Tickets are $15 and are available by calling 312-332-FILM (3456) or online.