The IFP announced today that Academy Award nominated and Emmy Award-winning director Ava DuVernay will receive the Director Tribute and Academy Award and Golden Globe winning actor Sam Rockwell will receive the Actor Tribute at the 2019 IFP Gotham Awards.
Jeff Sharp, Executive Director of IFP and the Made in NY Media Center said, “Ava DuVernay is a groundbreaking and influential filmmaker whose work casts an overdue and much-needed light on the history of our nation’s systemic racism embedded in our institutions of justice today. She is enlightening and impactful to a new wave of filmmakers and her films are profoundly consequential to our nation’s continued endeavor
to provide equal justice for all.” Sharp added, “We are equally delighted to present the deeply talented Sam Rockwell with the Actor Tribute. Sam simply brings brilliance to every role he plays – whether an anti-hero in an auteur-driven film, a hero in a studio tentpole or a legendary icon in a limited series. His compelling and genuine performances are a gift to us all. Both Ava and Sam are leaders and champions for independent film. Their support and dedication to the craft, community and IFP continue to inspire this generation.”
The ceremony will be held on Monday, December 2, 2019, at Cipriani Wall Street, New York City. Additional tributes will be announced for the 2019 IFP Gotham Awards in the coming weeks. Nominations will be announced on October 24th