It’s shaping up to be a fine week for Helen Mirren. Her new film, “Eye in the Sky,” was acquired by Bleecker Street after a bidding war, and it’s been announced that the Oscar winner is set to receive (yet another) honor, a tribute at the Independent Filmmaker Project Gotham Independent Film Awards.
Friday marked the world premiere of “Eye in the Sky” at TIFF, where it was met with solid reviews. Mirren stars as a colonel in the drone-warfare drama. The film’s warm reception and Mirren’s star power led to a lot of interest in the film, with Bleecker Street, Fox Searchlight and Roadside Attractions duking it out. Bleecker Street came out victorious, paying over $2 million for the U.S. rights to the film. Expect a theatrical run in 2016.
Yesterday it was announced that Mirren will be honored with a Best Actress Tribute at the 25th IFP Gotham Awards. A press release from the IFP identified Mirren as “one of the most internationally acclaimed performers of our time.” Mirren will be paid tribute alongside Robert Redford and Anonymous Content founder and partner Steve Golin. “To celebrate these individuals who have contributed so much to the independent film community and to the entertainment world at large — and in such a landmark year for the Gothams — is truly an honor,” said Joana Vicente, Executive Director of IFP and the Made in NY Media Center. The ceremony will take place on November 30 in NYC. Tilda Swinton was recognized by the IFP Gotham awards last year.
Mirren most recently starred in “Woman in Gold,” the highest-grossing indie of 2015 so far.
