The Oscar buzz surrounding Renée Zellweger’s portrayal of Judy Garland in “Judy” just got stronger. Zellweger will receive Santa Barbara Film Festival’s American Riviera Award, Deadline confirms. The honor celebrates actors who “have made a significant contribution to American cinema.”
The prize will be presented during the fest’s 35th edition, which runs January 15-25, 2020. Previous recipients include Rachel McAdams, Patricia Arquette, Annette Bening, Sandra Bullock, and Diane Lane.
In theaters now, “Judy” sees Zellweger’s Garland performing her last run of concerts at London’s Talk of the Town nightclub. Critics have been raving about Zellweger’s turn since “Judy’s” August premiere at Telluride Film Festival. Since then, the pic has screened at TIFF, Zurich, and other fests.
“Ms. Zellweger has always displayed a deep commitment and discipline in her performances which has always made me root for her and admire her deeply,” said Roger Durling, Santa Barbara Film Fest executive director. “In “Judy” – she adds a ferocity that solidifies her as one of the greatest actors of her time.”
Zellweger received Oscar nods for “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and “Chicago,” and won for her supporting role in “Cold Mountain.” Earlier this year she starred in Netflix’s erotic thriller series “What/If.” Among her more recent credits are “Here and Now,” “Bridget Jones’s Baby,” and “The Whole Truth.”
