Jennifer Lopez is building momentum on the awards circuit. Less than a week ago the multi-hyphenate received an Indie Spirit Award nomination for “Hustlers,” and now the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has announced that she’ll be honored with the Spotlight Award at the fest’s annual gala. Variety confirmed the news.
“Jennifer Lopez is a star in every sense of the word, and you will experience this in her latest film ‘Hustlers.’ Starting with her show-stopping entrance Jennifer brings to life the character of Ramona, an exotic dancer, who leads a group of dancer friends to steal money from their clients,” festival chairman Harold Matzner said in a statement. “For this full-force yet grounded performance, deserving of awards consideration, we are thrilled to present Jennifer Lopez with this year’s Spotlight Award.”
Previous recipients of the award include Julia Roberts, Amy Adams, and Jessica Chastain.
Lopez has been generating Oscar buzz since “Hustlers” first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. The Lorene Scafaria-directed pic has grossed over $150 million and was made on a budget of about $20 million. In addition to co-starring in “Hustlers,” Lopez produced the project.
“There are so many smart, talented women out there, in front of and behind the camera, and I think we’re at a point where our voices are not stifled as much,” Lopez recently said. “Because of the #MeToo movement, it’s ‘We are equal, and we want to be treated that way.’ We’ve been making our own opportunities, and as you prove your worth and value to people, they can’t put you in a box. You hustle it into happening, right?”
Oscar nominations will be announced January 13. PSIFF’s gala will take place January 2. Charlize Theron and Renée Zellweger are also being honored at the gala.
