Actress and activist Jane Fonda has been in the movie business for more than 50 years and will be receiving the Chicago International Film Festival's Gold Hugo Career Achievement Award on Saturday, July 29.
The tribute to Fonda is being held by lead sponsor SAGE Private Wealth Group, with Cinema/Chicago co-chairing.
The legendary Fonda is a two-time Academy Award winner and three-time Golden Globe recipient who has recently been nominated for her role in the hit Netflix series Grace and Frankie. The series, which has started filming its fourth season, focuses on two former rivals ( Fonda and out actress Lily Tomlin ) as they find out that their husbands have fallen in love with each other.
"It's so cute and funny and it's well written. ... It's really pleasure without guilt; when I'm watching the TV show on Netflix, I am grinning from ear to ear because you just can't resist watching her," said Cinema/Chicago co-chair Corbin Horn. Regarding the show and Fonda's role in the LGBTQ community, Horn ( a member of the community himself ) added, "I think she has been an advocate for gays, lesbians, transgender [individuals] and queer people for so long that we should be proud that we have her in the spotlight now on this TV show that people all over the world and all over America are watching."
Horn has recently become a part of Cinema/Chicago's governing board and said that he is ecstatic to be co-chairing the event for Fonda. He added, "Jane Fonda has been amazing for 40 years. Its like we're watching her at her renaissance. At this far in her career, it's like she's better than ever and we're seeing a new star." Horn went on to call Fonda "electric" and "magnetic." He even went on to call the 79-year-old "one of the best-looking women on the planet" and suggested that Fonda's successful career might be because "she's changed herself many times and can play any role."
Horn went on to dish about the event, which Chicago Sun-Times' Richard Roeper will moderate at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago. ( The event will involve a reception as well as an open discussion with Fonda about her career. ) Fans will also have the opportunity to ask Fonda questions, as Cinema/Chicago is running a social-media promotion in which fans are invited to submit the one question via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram that they would ask Fonda if given the chance. "The one question we think is best, that person will win a ticket to the event and will have the opportunity to ask Jane their question," said Horn. After the Q&A segment, Fonda will be presented with her award.
Fonda, however, is not the only person being honored at the event. A Chicago Public School student and filmmaker will also be receiving an award. The student goes to South Shore International High School and is in their advanced arts program for video production and, according to Horn, has recently gotten numerous awards for her film. The student has also won a scholarship to the Tribeca Flashpoint College Summer film program in New York City and she is an activist herself in the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Tickets for the event start at $200; however, if fans would like a more up close and personal feel, premium tickets are available for $250. "Everyone is welcome to come. We hope everyone who is a fan of Jane Fonda or her movies and wants to help better Cinema/Chicago's education program will buy tickets and come have fun with us," said Horn.
Proceeds from the event will go to Cinema/Chicago's Education Program, which provides free film screenings to more than 7,000 Chicago Public School students annually.
For more information about the event or to buy tickets, visit ChicagoFilmFestival.com .