The Palm Springs International Film Awards have announced that Jennifer Hudson will be its main winner this year. The “Respect” star will receive the President’s Award at the group’s next ceremony in January.
The award body took the news to the public with an announcement Monday morning.
“In ‘Respect’, Jennifer Hudson brings Aretha Franklin’s rise from childhood gospel singer to international star to life,” festival president Harold Matzner said in a statement. “Hudson transforms into a soulful queen singing her heart out in this legendary performance. It is an honor for us to recognize the phenomenal acting and singing talents of Jennifer Hudson with the Chairman’s Award.
Hudson was previously honored at the festival with the Breakthrough Performance Award in 2007. The list of past Festival President’s Award recipients includes Amy Adams, Jessica Chastain, George Clooney, Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman, Regina King, Gary Oldman, Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. Hudson joins the list of previously announced winners this year, including Jane Campion (Director of the Year Award), Jessica Chastain (Desert Palm Award, Actress), Penélope Cruz (International Star Award, Actress) and Kristen Stewart (spotlight award, actress).
Released by United Artists Releasing in August, “Respect” is a biographical drama about the life of Aretha Franklin. In addition to playing Franklin, Hudson also produced the film. Hudson is considered one of the best actresses of the season for her performance in the film.
The Palm Springs International Film Awards will be held in person on January 6, 2022 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the next festival running until January 17, 2022.
