George Clooney and Michelle Williams To Be Honored at the Palm Springs Film Festival

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George Clooney, Michelle Williams and French director Michel Hazanavicius have all been singled out for honors at the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s annual Awards Gala, to be held Jan. 7 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

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Clooney will be presented with the Chairman’s Award for his two current films, Fox Searchlight’s The Descendants and Sony’s The Ides of March.

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“George Clooney brings new definition to the word ‘star,’” said festival chairman Harold Matzner. “A consummate actor, director, producer and screenwriter, he’s demonstrated that no discipline within the film industry is beyond his reach.

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The fest will give its Desert Palm Achievement Actress Award to Williams, who stars as Marilyn Monroe in the Weinstein Co.’s My Week with Marilyn.

Matzner saluted the actress, saying, “Every generation, the cinema has a few performers who mesmerize audiences with an exceptional blend of talent, versatility and grace. Michelle Williams epitomizes these qualities as she continues to accept challenging role after challenging role.” 

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Hazanavicius, who directed The Artist, which the Weinstein Co. also is releasing, is set to receive the Sony Bono Visionary Award, named after the former Palm Springs mayor who established the festival.

The festival itself runs from Jan. 5-16.