Julianne Moore accepts Zurich honour in German as festival salutes McDonagh
Julianne Moore accepted the Zurich Film Festival's Golden Icon Award in German.
The prize is a lifetime achievement honour, presented during the festival's 22nd edition, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She spoke in German.
Moore told the audience she lived in Germany as a teenager after moving to Europe with her parents, the trade publication reported. A teacher there told her she could become an actress. That classroom moment stayed with her.
Jesse Eisenberg joined Moore at the Zurich ceremony. He directs her in the feature The Debut, which also screened at the festival, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Moore plays Mona Friedman, a suburban housewife who has had enough of her monotonous life, according to the festival's film notes Zurich Film Festival. Paul Giamatti co-stars. Moore, an Academy Award winner, was recognised for her long career and for her performance in the film, the festival said Zurich Film Festival.
The festival also honoured writer-director Martin McDonagh with its A Tribute To... Award. The tribute centred on his new film Wild Horse Nine, which held its gala premiere in Zurich with McDonagh present, according to The Hollywood Reporter and an earlier festival announcement reported by Deadline. A gala premiere is an evening showcase with the film-makers in the room. The film is described as a black comedy and runs 118 minutes, according to TIFF.
Wild Horse Nine is set shortly before the 1973 military coup in Chile. It stars John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell as CIA partners Chris and Lee stationed in Santiago, the trade publication reported. Searchlight Pictures is advertising a theatrical release on November 6, according to the studio Searchlight Pictures. The Toronto International Film Festival also listed the film with an open-captions screening on Saturday, September 19 TIFF.
Zurich's honours list extends beyond the two galas. Naomi Watts was named for the Golden Eye Award and Richard Linklater was listed among Career Achievement Award honourees, according to the festival Zurich Film Festival Zurich Film Festival.
What makes this stand out is the language. Festival speeches often switch to English for the wider room. Moore stayed in German and closed a circle that began in a schoolroom.
