Susan Sarandon to be honoured at Rome festival sidebar as ‘The Accompanist’ gets international bow
Variety reports Susan Sarandon will be honoured by the Rome Film Festival’s Alice in the City sidebar as Zach Woods’ feature debut The Accompanist receives its international launch during the October festival.
Variety exclusively reports that Susan Sarandon will be honoured by the Rome Film Festival’s Alice in the City sidebar this October. Sarandon is expected to attend the festival to promote the international launch of The Accompanist — the feature debut of Silicon Valley actor Zach Woods in which she stars — and to receive Alice in the City’s Womenlands Excellence Award, given to Italian and international women distinguished in culture, entertainment and activism. The Rome Film Festival runs from Oct. 13 to 25.
Sarandon to receive Womenlands Excellence Award at Alice in the City
According to Variety, Rome’s independently run Alice in the City sidebar will present Susan Sarandon with its Womenlands Excellence Award. The sidebar focuses on films for children and youth, and the award recognises outstanding Italian and international women in culture, entertainment, and activism. The festival’s statement praised Sarandon’s long career, noting she has built “a gallery of female characters that cannot be reduced to a single model” and highlighting roles that are “Women who question identity, desire, power, rules and freedom.” Previous recipients include Paz Vega, Nastassja Kinski, and Italy’s Laura Luchetti.
‘The Accompanist’ to make international bow in Rome
Variety reports The Accompanist — the feature directorial debut of Zach Woods — will receive its international launch at Alice in the City. Sarandon plays Sylvia, described in reporting as a chain-smoking, sharp‑tongued, first‑time foster parent to an eight‑year‑old named Emily. The indie dramedy opened at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, where it received positive notices, and the Rome appearance will mark its first screening outside the United States.
Sarandon arrives in Rome after Venice appearance
Variety notes that Sarandon recently attended the Venice Film Festival with Italian director Andrea Pallaoro’s The Echo Chamber. While in Venice, she said she continues to be shunned by Hollywood over her outspoken support of Palestine, a remark reported by the publication. Her Rome visit will see her balance promoting The Accompanist with the festival honour.
Rome Film Festival dates and sidebar remit
The Rome Film Festival runs Oct. 13–25. Alice in the City runs as an independent sidebar focused on films for children and young audiences and has its own slate and awards, including the Womenlands Excellence Award, which Variety reports will be presented to Sarandon during the festival.
