Charlize Theron honoured at film fest
2012-01-09 22:14
Los Angeles - Charlize Theron was honoured with the Variety Indie Impact Award at the Palm Springs Film Festival on Sunday.
The Oscar-winning actress was rewarded for her independent movie work at a star-studded gala at The Parker Hotel and when she accepted the accolade, she paid tribute to the independent film world.
She said: "I know that the Indie world had an impact on me, so I can talk about that. My career would have been very different. I feel 100 per cent that I have the career I have today because of independent filmmaking.
"Ten years ago it was so split, 15 years ago it was so split. Everyone knew when you did your dirty independent film and your sexy studio film. That's changed today, and I'm so proud to be a part of that."
Emotional speech
Charlize also became emotional during her acceptance speech and tearfully gushed: "I never feel worthy of these things, so thank you to Variety, thank you."
Previous recipients of the prize include Philip Seymour Hoffman and Mark Wahlberg.
The event also showcased industry bible Variety's 10 directors to watch out for in 2012, which spotlights the most exciting new talents in the directing world.
Steve Gaydos of Variety said: "When Variety picks their 10 directors to watch when they look around the world for new directing talents, we don't just focus in Hollywood or America we really open it up to the entire world."