Zoe Saldaña to be Honoured at the 79th Locarno Film Festival
The glitz and glamour of international cinema are descending upon Switzerland once again. The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of artistry, and leading the charge is one of Hollywood’s most versatile powerhouses: Zoe Saldaña.
A Special Leopard for a Global Icon
Known for her commanding presence in massive franchises like Guardians of the Galaxy and her compelling work in Emilia Pérez and Lioness, Zoe Saldaña will be a centerpiece of this year’s festivities. On Monday, August 10, Saldaña will participate in an intimate and special conversation with the public, where she will be awarded the prestigious Special Pardo (or Special Leopard) honour.
This award recognizes her extraordinary contribution to the cinematic arts, cementing her status as a global icon who transcends genres and boundaries.
Celebrating the Legends of Film Music
While the red carpet will be filled with acting royalty, the festival is also paying homage to the sonic landscapes of cinema. Italian musical maestro Claudio Simonetti will be honoured for his legendary contributions to film music.
As the keyboardist for the progressive rock band Goblin, Simonetti has been a driving force behind some of the most iconic horror scores since the 1970s, including the cult classic Suspiria. His recognition will take place on Thursday, August 6, preceding a special screening of Cut and Run (Inferno in diretta).
A Star-Studded Guest List
The 79th Locarno Film Festival continues its tradition of attracting the industry’s most elite talent. This year’s event will feature an impressive array of stars, including:
- Monica Bellucci (appearing in Ketticè)
- Olivia Wilde (featured in The Invite)
- Isabelle Huppert (starring in Ni vue, ni connue)
- Caleb Landry Jones (featured in Down the Arm of God)
- Kingsley Ben-Adir and Rob Morgan (starring in Frank & Louis)
The festival’s prestige is well-established, having previously honoured visionaries such as directors Darren Aronofsky and James Gray, as well as the legendary special effects artist Rick Baker.
Save the Date
The 79th Locarno Film Festival will run from August 5 to August 15. Whether you are a fan of avant-garde cinema, horror soundtracks, or the magnetic screen presence of Zoe Saldaña, this event is the place to be for all cinephiles.
For more information on schedules and screenings, visit the official Locarno Film Festival website.
