In a celebration of storytelling excellence and mentorship, Kathleen Kennedy, the luminary behind some of the most iconic films in Hollywood, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Austin Film Festival’s Polly Platt Award for Producing. This prestigious accolade, established in 2019, is annually bestowed upon producers who not only possess a discerning eye for compelling narratives but also dedicate themselves to nurturing emerging talent in the film industry.
A Tribute to a Legacy
Kennedy’s selection for this award underscores her monumental contributions to cinema and her commitment to fostering new voices. “I am deeply honored to receive the Austin Film Festival’s Polly Platt Award for Producing,” Kennedy remarked. She paid homage to Polly Platt, an extraordinary producer, mentor, and advocate for the Austin Film Festival, as well as a cherished personal friend. Kennedy’s acknowledgment of Platt’s enduring influence and her anticipation to celebrate Platt’s legacy highlights the profound personal and professional impact Platt had on her and many others in the industry.
A History of Celebrated Talent
Kennedy joins an illustrious group of past recipients, including Lauren Shuler Donner (2023), Dede Gardner (2022), Stephanie Allain (2021), and Sarah Green (2019), all of whom have significantly contributed to the art and craft of storytelling through film.
A Storied Career
With a career spanning several decades, Kennedy has been at the forefront of producing blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed films alike. Her production of 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” broke records as the highest-grossing movie of all time in domestic box office sales. An eight-time Oscar nominee, Kennedy’s extensive filmography includes over 70 films that have collectively received 120 Oscar nominations. Her influential work encompasses a range of genres and franchises, from the “Star Wars” series and the “Back to the Future” trilogy to “Schindler’s List” and “Jurassic Park.
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Kennedy has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through her leadership positions, including co-founding Amblin Entertainment in 1981 and establishing The Kennedy/Marshall Company in 1992. She is also a founding Council Member of the Hollywood Commission, aimed at eliminating sexual harassment and advancing equality in Hollywood.
Looking Forward to the Austin Film Festival
The Austin Film Festival’s Writers Conference, scheduled for October 24 – 27, will provide a platform for Kennedy to share her insights and experiences. The conference promises over 150 panels focused on the art, craft, and business of storytelling, featuring a diverse array of industry professionals from film, television, and new media.
Kathleen Kennedy’s receipt of the Polly Platt Award for Producing is not just a recognition of her storied career but also a testament to her role as a visionary producer who continues to inspire and shape the future of storytelling.
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