Richard Gere to Bring Home Zurich Film Festival’s Golden Icon Award

Richard Gere's latest film, "Arbitrage," will screen at the festival in late September

Richard Gere will receive the Golden Icon Award at this year’s Zurich Film Festival, the festival’s directors announced on Wednesday.

Getty ImagesThe festival's award recognizes an actor or actress’ lifetime achievements, as well as contributions outside of his or her acting career.

 “Richard Gere is an extraordinary man whose accomplishments in Hollywood are equaled by his humanitarian achievements,” Karl Spoerri, one of the festival’s directors, said in a statement. “We’re honored to recognize his amazing career at the Zurich Film Festival.”

Gere is known for his roles in films like “Pretty Woman,” “American Gigolo” and “Chicago,” the last of which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.

Also read: Richard Gere's Iranian Lookalike Makes News in Taiwan

Wednesday’s announcement also notes Gere’s work as a human rights activist, in particular his relationship with the Dalai Lama and his support of Tibet in the face of Chinese occupation. His eponymous foundation contributes to several human rights projects, in particular awareness of Tibet.

The festival runs Sept. 20-30, and Gere will receive the award Sept. 23.

 “Arbitrage,” a Wall Street thriller in which Gere plays a troubled hedge-fund magnate, will screen in the Gala Premieres section of the festival.

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