Academy Award winner Kate Winslet was a guest in Zurich on Monday, receiving standing ovations – both at her ZFF Masters session and at the Kongresshaus, where she was honoured with the Golden Icon Award
The excitement in the weeks leading up to Kate Winslet's visit to the 20th ZFF was palpable, not only among fans but also behind the scenes. And for good reason: the actress, who has been nominated for an Oscar seven times, has had an extraordinary career and inspires thousands of people worldwide with her down-to-earth and charming personality. Wherever Winslet appeared on Monday, she took time for her fans, ensuring that no one around her felt left out, and in doing so, brought smiles to the faces of hundreds
“I am so proud of myself”
On Monday afternoon, Kate Winslet was a guest at a ZFF Masters session. The conversation centred around her latest film LEE, which portrays war photographer Lee Miller. Winslet not only stars in the leading role but also served as a producer, playing a key role in bringing this story to the screen.
Winslet spent eight years working on the film. It all began when she received a call from friends who were selling some vintage furniture: they had a table they thought she might like – it had once been in the holiday home of Lee Miller’s family. Instantly fascinated by the table and its story, Kate delved into researching Lee Miller and her family, eventually deciding: this story must be told on screen!
Together with Lee Miller’s son, Anthony, Kate began piecing together the life of the former model and iconic photographer. She spread Miller’s photographs out on tables, deciding which ones she wanted to recreate in the film. She spoke with Miller’s close companions and enlisted friends to help transform Miller’s remarkable and turbulent life into a screenplay. Now, nearly nine years later, the film is ready to be shared with audiences. For Winslet, this is a major milestone, and as she looked around the room during the standing ovation at the ZFF Masters, she beamed and joyfully exclaimed, “I am so proud of myself!”
Truly a Golden Icon
After walking the green carpet on Sechseläutenplatz on Monday evening, where she once again took time to meet her fans, it was time for the presentation of this year’s Golden Icon Award. As usual, the award was presented by ZFF Artistic Director Christian Jungen.
In his tribute to Winslet, Jungen highlighted the many unforgettable roles that she has taken on, solidifying her place in film history. Whether it was as Juliet in HEAVENLY CREATURES, Hanna in THE READER, Rose in TITANIC, Clementine in THE ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND or Iris in THE HOLIDAY.
“Your roles couldn’t be more different, yet they all have something in common,” said Christian Jungen. “You tell the stories of your characters in such a real, authentic, and relatable way that we feel like we are living them ourselves. ‘You jump, I jump’ – the promise between your Rose and Leo’s Jack in TITANIC includes your audience as well.”
Her authenticity, grounded nature, passion, and incredible talent are what make Kate Winslet a true Golden Icon. Not only does she captivate audiences around the world, but she also inspires women in particular, as her character Iris in THE HOLIDAY so perfectly puts it: “You're supposed to be the leading lady in your own life, for God's sake!”
