Actress and Academy Award winner Melissa Leo will receive the Sierra Spirit Award for Acting during a special tribute at the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival (MLFF), taking place on Saturday, May 26. The tribute will consist of a screening of Leo’s film, Frozen River, followed by a moderated conversation and award presentation.

Leo is best known for her Academy Award winning performance in The Fighter and Academy Award nominated role in Frozen River. She’s also recently starred in biopic The Most Hated Woman in America as activist Madelyn Murray O’Hair. Leo is currently starring in Showtime’s comedy series I’m Dying Up Here and can be next seen reprising her role in the upcoming sequel to action/thriller The Equalizer alongside Denzel Washington.

“Melissa is an actress who has demonstrated her ability to take on unique and dynamic roles that showcase her remarkable range and someone who continues to make outstanding contributions to the art of film,” said Festival Director Shira Dubrovner.

Past festival honorees have included Joe Dante and John Sayles for their incomparable and thought-provoking directorial work.

Now in its fourth year, the Mammoth Lakes Film Festival is proud to showcase the work of emerging, innovative filmmakers and artists against the backdrop of California’s ruggedly beautiful premiere vacation destination. The festival will begin on Wednesday, May 23 with their Opening Night film, Damsel. Throughout the week there are scheduled competition screenings, spotlight presentation screenings and receptions. The festival will conclude on Sunday, May 27 with the Closing Night film, Love, Gilda.