Chicago Film Festival adds OUTrageous Award to Alan Cumming
The 46th Chicago International Film Festival is celebrating its diverse array of programming this year by presenting honorees in several special programs. The Black Perspectives program (Seven feature films) is honoring Forest Whitaker, the Cinema of the Americas program (Fifteen feature films) is honoring Guillermo del Toro, and the ReelWomen program (Twenty feature films) is honoring Paula Wagner. Now the Festival’s OUTrageous program (Nine feature films) has its own honoree: Alan Cumming. From the edgy to the tender, the bold gay-themed films in the OUTrageous program fearlessly exhibit new artistic perspectives on sexuality, and Mr. Cumming’s prolific career makes him a perfect honoree for the program.
Alan Cumming has been amazing audiences with his performances in film, theater, and television for decades. After garnering numerous awards for his theatrical work in London, Cumming’s screen acting ability was immediately recognized in 1992 when he received a Scottish BAFTA best actor nomination for his first film role in “Prague.” Moving seamlessly between film and theater, he received a 1994 Olivier Award for his performance as the Emcee in “Cabaret.” “His remarkable performance in “Cabaret” embodied all the qualities the OUTrageous program honors,” said Festival Founder and Artisic Director Michael Kutza, “and he has brought that same talent to his prolific filmography since then.” Cumming has shown an incredible range in his film work, acting in films as diverse as “Eyes Wide Shut,” “Titus,” “GoldenEye,” 2: X-Men United,” and directing “The Anniversary Party.”
Outside of his impressive acting career, Cumming has been an outspoken advocate for gay rights and is a frequent guest at fundraisers for anti-defamation organizations and charities. Adding to his long list of acting accolades, he was honored at the 2005 GLAAD Media Awards for his contributions to eliminating homophobia, and received the Human Rights Campaign’s Humanitarian Award the same year.
Mr. Cumming will receive his award and tribute before the screening of “The Tempest” directed by Julie Taymor in which he stars with Helen Mirren, October 18, 2010 at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Other films in the OUTragous section of the Festival include: Amphetamine (Hong Kong), Beautiful Darling (USA) Family Tree (France), For 80 Days (Spain) Heartbeats (Canada) Loose Cannons (Italy), Man At Bath (France), Postcards To Daddy (Germany), Sasha (Germany)
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