Actors Patricia Clarkson, Eugenio Derbez, William Shatner, Glenn Howerton, and Jesse Williams, directors Todd Haynes and Jack Huston, along with producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller will be honored at the 24th edition of Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF).
The festival will be held in person from October 12-19, 2023 and will spotlight over 350 films from around the world.
Patricia Clarkson will be honored with the Artist of Distinction Award following a screening of her film Monica on October 13. The Artist of Distinction Award is presented to individuals known for their contribution to the arts, philanthropic endeavors, and an overriding commitment to their craft to tell unique and bold stories.
Following a screening of his film Radical on October 18, Eugenio Derbez will receive the Icon Award presented to an actor or actress widely admired for their contribution and iconic role(s) in the industry.
Director Todd Haynes will attend a screening of his newest film May December on October 15 and the festival will honor him with the Outstanding Achievement in Directing Award.
Glenn Howerton (Blackberry) will also receive the Artist of Distinction Award, at the Closing Night Reception of the Festival on October 19.
Jack Huston will be honored with the Breakout Director Award following a screening of his directorial debut, Day of the Fight, on October 13.
Prior to a screening of their film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, on October 13, Oscar®-winning producers, Phil Lord and Chris Miller will be honored with the Maverick Award.
Before a screening of his film, William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill, Emmy® Award-Winning actor William Shatner will be honored with the Legend Award for his incredible legacy in the industry on October 18.
Jesse Williams (Take Me Out) will also be presented with the Arts Champion Award on October 16, which recognizes him for his outstanding commitment to his community and cause.
On Sunday, October 15, the festival will host a special screening of Cord Jefferson’s American Fiction. American Fiction tells the story of Monk, a frustrated novelist who’s fed up with the establishment that profits from Black entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To prove his point, he uses a pen name to write an outlandish Black book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain. The MGM/Orion Pictures film stars Jeffrey Wright, Adam Brody, Issa Rae, Keith David, Tracee Ellis Ross and Sterling K. Brown and was directed and produced by Cord Jefferson.