Reese Witherspoon to Receive American Cinematheque Award

The American Cinematheque will honor Reese Witherspoon with its annual award Oct. 30 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, the org announced today (July 23rd).

Witherspoon was most recently Oscar-nominated for lead actress in 2014’s “Wild,” which was produced by her Pacific Standard production company.

Rick Nicita, American Cinematheque chairman said: “Reese Witherspoon’s career is a perfect example of an actress flourishing in today’s world. She achieved commercial success early in comedies like ‘Election,’ ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and then added major critical success to her resume with movies such as ‘Walk the Line,’ for which she received the Academy award for best actress. She has refused to be limited to only certain types of roles and has continued to impress with her varied choices, ranging from smaller roles in dramas such as ‘Mud’ to a tour-de-force, Oscar-nominated performance last year in ‘Wild.’ She is an active and successful movie producer who is moving her career forward both behind and in front of the camera. The most appropriate role for Reese Witherspoon today is role model.”

The annual gala is a major fundraiser for the American Cinematheque and honors actors in mid-career who are making significant contributions to the film biz. Matthew McConaughey was last year’s honoree.

Besides “Wild,” Witherspoon’s Pacific Standard, in which she is partnered with Bruna Papandrea, also produced last year’s “Gone Girl.” She has also been active in charities including the Children’s Defense Fund, on whose board she serves; the Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center; Save the Children; and Stand Up to Cancer.

– Variety