EXCLUSIVE: It is looking like the year of Dafoe.
Adding to his already numerous Supporting Actor wins and nominations for The Florida Project Willem Dafoe will receive the Icon Award of the Palm Springs International Film Festival at their annual gala on January 2, 2018.
It is a great way to start the New Year for Dafoe who has picked up more supporting accolades this year than any other actor for his role as the beleaguered Orlando motel manager in Sean Baker’s indie success from A24. It has put him in a front runner position for the Oscars and the Icon designation by PSIFF further confirms his status. Previously he was announced as the winner of this year’s Cinema Vanguard award from the upcoming Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Previous winners of this PSIFF honor include Michael Douglas , Robert Duvall, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. Dafoe joins a list of honorees for PSIFF including Mary J.Blige, Timothee Chalamet, Jessica Chastain, Gal Gadot, Holly Hunter, Allison Janney, Gary Oldman, Sam Rockwell, Saoirse Ronan, and The Shape Of Water.
In making the announcement Fest Chairman Harold Matzner notes Dafoe as a versatile actor who has appeared in over 100 films and “delivers a career defining performance”. He also has Murder On The Orient Express in current release and recently wrapped Aquaman.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival runs from January 2-15.
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