Renée Zellweger to Receive Santa Barbara Film Festival American Riviera Award

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The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is awarding Renée Zellweger the American Riviera Award on January 16, 2020, festival organizers announced Tuesday.

Zellweger is being recognized for her work in the film industry over the years, as well as her most recent portrayal of Judy Garland in “Judy.”

“Ms. Zellweger has always displayed a deep commitment and discipline in her performances which has always made me root for her and admire her deeply,” Santa Barbara International Film Festival Executive Director Roger Durling said. “In ‘Judy,’ she adds a ferocity that solidifies her as one of the greatest actors of her time.”

Also Read: 'Judy' Film Review: Renee Zellweger Vividly Captures a 20th Century Icon

The American Riviera Award was established to recognize actors who have made a significant contribution to American cinema. Previous recipients include Viggo Mortensen, Sam Rockwell, Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Patricia Arquette, Sandra Bullock, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Diane Lane and Forrest Whitaker.

Zellweger’s other notable credits include “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and its sequels, as well “Chicago,” “Jerry Maguire,” “Cold Mountain” and most recently, Netflix’s TV series “What/If.”

Also Read: 'Judy' Fact Check: Did Judy Garland's Death Spark the Stonewall Riots and Gay Liberation Movement?

She is represented by CAA, John Carrabino Management and Imprint PR.

The 35th Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place January 15 to January 25 of next year.

The Evolution of Renee Zellweger, From 'Jerry Maguire' to 'Judy' (Photos)

TheWrap takes a look at the evolution of the lovable southern star from movies like "Dazed and Confused" to "My One and Only."
Renee Zellweger was born on April 25, 1969 in Texas. Her first job out of college was working in a beef commercial.
1991:
Zellweger appeared as the uncredited "Girl in the blue pickup truck" in "Dazed and Confused," alongside fellow Texan Matthew McConaughey.
Gramercy Pictures
1994:
Zellweger had her first major film role in the horror film, "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation" alongside Matthew McConaughey again.
Columbia
1994:
Her next film was "Love and a .45," in which she played a woman who plans a robbery with her boyfriend. The part earned Zellweger an Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance.
Lionsgate
1996:
Zellweger became known to global audiences due to her performance in "Jerry Maguire," in which she played Tom Cruise's love interest.
TriStar
1998:
Zellweger starred in "One True Thing" opposite Meryl Streep and William Hurt. Once again, the actress was acclaimed for her part.
Universal
Parts in "The Bachelor" (1999), "Me, Myself and Irene" (2000) and "Nurse Betty" (2000) followed.
Fox
2001:
"Bridget Jones's Diary" is released -- and then everything really changed. The film starred Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, based on the 1996 novel by Helen Fielding. Her role won her an Oscar for Best Actress, as well as a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe nomination.
Miramax
2002:
A year after "Bridget Jones's Diary," Zellweger starred as Roxie Hart in the musical "Chicago" opposite Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere. She earned her second Oscar nomination and won a Golden Globe for her performance.
Miramax
2004:
Zellweger earns yet another Oscar for her role in "Cold Mountain," as well as a Golden Globe. The Civil War epic costarred Nicole Kidman and Jude Law.
Miramax
2004:
Zellweger lends her voice to the animated movie "Shark Tale," which became a box office success, making $367 million worldwide against a comparably modest budget.
DreamWorks
2004:
She then reprised her role as Bridget Jones in "Bridges Jones: The Edge of Reason," for which she received her fourth Golden Globe nomination.
Universal
2005:
Zellweger married country music singer Kenny Chesney in May of 2005, but she sought for annulment four months later, citing "fraud."
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2005:
Zellweger received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Getty Images
After her appearance in "Miss Potter" and "Bee Movie," her career somewhat slowed down. She starred in George Clooney's 2008 directorial film "Leatherheads," which was considered a box office disappointment.
MGM
2014:
Zellweger appeared at the 21st annual Elle Magazine Women in Hollywood Awards and was scrutinized for looking unrecognizable and being accused of having gotten drastic plastic surgery.
Getty Images
After her role in 2010's "My One and Only," she had a six-year-hiatus before starring in "The Whole Truth."
Freestyle Releasing
2016: "Bridget Jones's Baby," a sequel to the 2004 film, was released.
Universal
2018: Zellweger starred in "Here and Now" alongside Sarah Jessica Parker.
Paramount
2019: The actress had a recurring role in "What/If," Netflix's TV series as Anne Montgomery. Jane Levy, Blake Jenner and Keith Powers also star.
Netflix
2019: Zellweger starred as Judy Garland in "Judy," directed by Rupert Goold.
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