Irish Abroad: Michael Fassbender to receive International Star Award at Palm Springs

The Irish are taking over the 27th Palm Springs International Film Festival, with the announcement that Kerry native Michael Fassbender will be honoured with the International Star Award, Actor at its annual Awards Gala.

Fassbender joins fellow Irish star Saoirse Ronan in receiving an International Star Award, with the accolade also been bestowed on Brie Larson, star of Irish co-production Room; Cate Blanchett; Johnny Depp; and Tom McCarthy.

[quote title=”Harold Matzner -Palm Springs International Film Festival, Chairman”]Throughout his career Michael Fassbender has brought to life riveting performances on the screen in films such as Hunger, Shame, 12 Years a Slave, Inglorious Basterds, and Prometheus. In his latest film, Steve Jobs, Fassbender delivers another stunning performance of subtlety and power, presenting the Apple co-founder as both a witty and engaging person and a conflicted Machiavellian. For his masterful performance in this film, we are honored to present Michael Fassbender with the 2016 International Star Award, Actor.[/quote]

The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming 135,000 attendees last year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries.  The Festival is also known for its annual Black Tie Awards Gala, honoring the best achievements of the filmic year by a celebrated list of talents who, in recent years, have included Ben Affleck, Javier Bardem, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Julianne Moore Brad Pitt, Eddie Redmayne, Julia Roberts, David O. Russell, Meryl Streep, and Reese Witherspoon.