Just days ago Andra Day landed a Golden Globe nomination for her starring role in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” and now word comes that the rising star will be the recipient of the Palm Springs International Film Awards’ Breakthrough Performance prize. A press release announced the news.
“Few jazz vocalists are more beloved than Billie Holiday, and Andra Day brings Holiday and her iconic voice back to life through a sympathetic and nuanced portrayal that sheds new light on the U.S. government’s role in seeking to muzzle a homegrown legend,” said Festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “In her impressive feature film debut as an actress and her first leading role, it is our honor to present the Breakthrough Performance Award to Andra Day.”
A two-time Grammy Award nominee, Day scored a Best R&B Album nom for her full-length debut, “Cheers to the Fall,” and a nod for Best R&B Performance for “Rise Up.” “Stand Up For Something,” her song for the “Marshall” soundtrack, received a Best Original Song nomination at the Academy Awards.
Previous recipients of the Breakthrough Performance Award include Brie Larson, Cynthia Erivo, and Lupita Nyong’o.
The Festival and Film Awards Gala will not take place as an in-person event this year due to COVID-19. Honoree selections “will be announced to recognize this year’s great performances and ‘Entertainment Tonight’ will air a tribute to the honorees scheduled on February 11th and February 25th,” the release details.
Chloé Zhao and Carey Mulligan are also being honored by the Palm Spring International Film Awards this year. The former is being recognized with Director of the Year for “Nomadland” and the latter for International Star Award, Actress for “Promising Young Woman.”
