The 22nd Zurich Film Festival honors Academy Award winner Julianne Moore with the Golden Icon Award for her extraordinary career and performance in her new film THE DEBUT. She will accept the award in person in Zurich, accompanied by director Jesse Eisenberg.
The Zurich Film Festival is delighted to welcome Academy Award winning actress Julianne Moore as a guest of honor at the 22nd festival edition. Over a career now spanning more than three decades, Moore has worked with some of the most distinguished directors in contemporary cinema, including Robert Altman (SHORT CUTS), Paul Thomas Anderson (BOOGIE NIGHTS, MAGNOLIA), brothers Joel and Ethan Coen (THE BIG LEBOWSKI), and Todd Haynes, with whom she has collaborated multiple times on films including SAFE, FAR FROM HEAVEN, and MAY DECEMBER, which screened at the 20th Zurich Film Festival in 2024.
At this year’s Zurich Film Festival, Moore will be honored with the Golden Icon Award for her lifetime achievement as an actress and for her performance in THE DEBUT. The film marks Moore's second collaboration with director Jesse Eisenberg following his directorial debut WHEN YOU FINISH SAVING THE WORLD (2022). THE DEBUT is Eisenberg's third feature film as a director: When Mona Friedman (Julianne Moore) is cast in a bit part at a small community theater, she transforms from a shy, unassuming housewife into a zealous method actor willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her marginal role – even if it means waging war against the show’s domineering director.
«Julianne Moore is one of the outstanding character actresses of American cinema. She possesses remarkable versatility and, time and again, manages to captivate us with her intense portrayals of the characters she plays. No matter which film we see her in, we find ourselves rooting for her characters», says Christian Jungen, CEO of the Zurich Film Festival. «In the wonderful film THE DEBUT, she delivers a brilliant performance as a woman who realizes it's not too late to fulfill her deeply personal dream: becoming an actress. It is Julianne Moore's love letter to her own profession – and thus the perfect film with which to thank her, with our Golden Icon Award, for so many wonderful cinematic experiences.»
One of the most versatile actresses of her generation
Julianne Moore is an Academy Award, Emmy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA winning actor celebrated for her wide-ranging performances across film and television. Known for her acclaimed roles in STILL ALICE, FAR FROM HEAVEN, THE HOURS, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT and BOOGIE NIGHTS, she has built a career defined by versatility and depth. Moore is the first American woman to receive top acting honors at the Berlin, Venice, and Cannes film festivals, cementing her status as one of the most respected performers of her generation. Recent credits include Todd Haynes’ MAY DECEMBER – which earned her a Golden Globe nomination – Apple TV’s ECHO VALLEY, Pedro Almodovar’s THE ROOM NEXT DOOR, Netflix’s limited series SIRENS, and historical miniseries MARY & GEORGE. Coming up, Moore will star in Jesse Eisenberg’s A24 musical comedy THE DEBUT. Next year, she will return to the stage to star in the title role of the Off Broadway play Faydra. Beyond her acting, Moore is a New York Times bestselling children’s author of the Freckleface Strawberry series and the founding chair of Everytown for Gun Safety’s Creative Council, where she advocates for ending gun violence in America. With over 70 films to her name, Moore continues to deliver work that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The Golden Icon Award
The Golden Icon Award has been presented since 2008 and honors the lifetime achievements of an actress or actor. The award is given to individuals who have become icons of an entire generation and whose performances and film work remain unforgettable. Past recipients include Kate Winslet, Sylvester Stallone, and Sharon Stone, among others.
You can find the official media release here.
