By Lindsey Bahr, Film Writer
The great French film star Catherine Deneuve will receive the Golden Lion for lifetime achievement at the 79th Venice International Film Festival in September, organizers said Wednesday.
With her angular features, blonde hair and regal demeanor, Deneuve was a key figure in the French New Wave. She broke out after starring as the lovesick Geneviève in Jacques Demy's candy-colored musical "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg," which came out in 1964. It would lead to more lauded collaborations with Demy ("The Young Girls of Rochefort," "Donkey Skin") as well as directors like Luis Buñuel, François Truffaut ("The Last Metro") and Roman Polanski ("Repulsion").
Now 78, Deneuve has worked consistently for nearly 60 years, transcending her ingenue beginnings to become one of the most recognizable and respected stars in the world. In addition to her 14 César Awards nominations and two wins, she was also nominated for best actress at the Oscars for "Indochine" from 1992.
Her association with the Venice Film Festival has spanned over five decades, too. In 1967, she won the festival's Golden Lion for her performance as a housewife who begins working at a high-end brothel during the day in Buñuel's classic "Belle de Jour." In 1998, she won the festival's Volpi Cup for "Place Vendôme."
"It is a joy to receive this prestigious award at the Venice Festival," Deneuve said in a statement. "It is also an honor to be chosen for this tribute at the Film Festival that has accompanied me so often for so many movies."
Festival director Alberto Barbera said in a statement that Deneuve is, "The very symbol of French cinema, a timeless diva and a true icon of the silver screen."
"Deneuve has come to embody the essence of the universally recognized diva, taking her place as one of the greatest actresses in film history," he added.
Also receiving the festival's lifetime achievement award this year is "Taxi Driver" writer and "American Gigolo" director Paul Schrader.
The 79th edition of the Venice Film Festival runs from Aug. 31 through Sept. 10 in Venice, Italy.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More