Jessica Lange Honored with Icon Award at Newport Beach Film Festival
The acclaimed actress received the Icon Award at the 27th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival, reflecting on her storied career and offering her views on the current state of filmmaking.
Jessica Lange, a celebrated figure in Hollywood with a career spanning decades, was honored with the Icon Award at the 27th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival on Sunday. The 77-year-old actress, known for her memorable roles beginning with 1976's "King Kong," accepted the accolade at the Balboa Bay Resort.
Lange, who has earned two Academy Awards—Best Supporting Actress for "Tootsie" (1982) and Best Actress for "Blue Sky" (1994)—also received nominations for "Frances," "Country," "Sweet Dreams," and "Music Box." Her television work has also garnered significant recognition, including Emmy wins for "Grey Gardens" (2009), "American Horror Story: Murder House" (2012), and "American Horror Story: Coven" (2014). She has recently returned to the "American Horror Story" franchise.
During her acceptance, Lange reflected on her career and shared her perspective on the film industry. She has previously voiced concerns about gender equality in Hollywood, stating in a 2019 interview that the industry was "nowhere near" where it should be, though she acknowledged some progress. Lange also expressed a desire to return to stage acting but noted the scarcity of roles for women her age.
Discussing the evolution of filmmaking, Lange suggested that the quality has diminished compared to previous decades. She described the period from the late 1960s through the early 1980s as the "heyday" of American film, before the industry became more corporatized. In a recent interview with Vogue, she reiterated her sentiment, stating that while she would love to do more stage work, she hasn't found a film project that excites her enough to commit to the extensive production process, humorously adding, "So, maybe I’m done!"
The Newport Beach Film Festival event also drew attention to emerging talent, including "Obsession" breakout star Inde Navarrette, who is considered a contender for an Academy Award nomination. Navarrette has been actively participating in industry events to bolster her profile.
