Gal Gadot is set to receive a well-deserved honor at the upcoming Palm Springs International Film Festival. The “Wonder Woman” actress will take home the Rising Star Award at the fest’s Awards Gala, a press release has announced.
“Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman showed us a strong, capable, poised, curious, and compassionate character, and her performance has been universally praised, resonating with audiences everywhere,” said Festival Chairman Harold Matzner in a statement. “Gal plays the immortal warrior so well, and the film’s themes are especially apt for today, empowering all types of people — women and men, young and old — the world over.”
“Wonder Woman” has taken home over $821 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing live-action film ever helmed by a woman and one of the biggest hits of the year. Director Patty Jenkins is signed on to step behind the camera again for “Wonder Woman 2,” set to bow December 2019.
“We are all used to having male protagonists in movies [directed by men]. But the way Patty has captured the Wonder Woman character, she is very relatable to everyone. Boy, girl, man, woman — everyone can relate to her,” Gadot has said. Her other credits include the “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “The Fast and the Furious” franchise, and “Date Night.”
Previous Rising Star winners include Jennifer Lawrence, Alicia Vikander, and Ruth Negga.
Gadot will accept her award January 2. The fest runs from January 4–15.