Aspen Film will honor Stanley Tucci (currently co-starring in JULIE & JULIA) with the Independent by Nature Award at this year's 31st annual Aspen Filmfest on Saturday, October 3rd at the Wheeler Opera House. Recognizing Mr. Tucci's richly eclectic career in independent and Hollywood film, the evening tribute will feature a selection of film highlights and an on-stage conversation. Following the theater presentation, Aspen Film will host a 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration with Mr. Tucci as an honored guest. Aspen Filmfest runs September 30th through October 4th.

"On the occasion of our 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to honor Stanley Tucci with this year's Independent by Nature Award. With a distinguished career so strongly rooted in the creative vitality of American independent cinema, Mr. Tucci truly embodies the spirit of this award. Whether comedy or drama, featured performer or cameo, he creates distinctive characters that make going to movies a memorable experience. Acting, writing, directing, and producing across a range of expressive media, Stanley Tucci's talent is truly a pleasure to behold." - expressed Executive Director, Laura Thielen

Aspen Film's Independent by Nature Award honors a film artist whose significant body of work resonates with audiences and peers, while substantially contributing to elevating the contemporary movie experience. Past recipients have included Julie Christie, Michael Douglas, Harrison Ford, Angelica Huston, William H. Macy, Sydney Pollack, Bob Rafelson, and Rob Reiner.

Mr. Tucci's multiple talents have led to a very diverse career. Not only an accomplished and gifted actor, he is also a writer, director and producer, earning several critical accolades beginning with his award-winning feature debut THE BIG NIGHT, of which he co-directed, wrote and starred as the memorable Secondo.

Not one to sit still for too long, Stanley Tucci has appeared in over 50 films and countless television productions, most recently in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, Steven Spielberg's THE TERMINAL and Sam Mendes' ROAD TO PERDITION. Mr. Tucci is currently co-starring in JULIE & JULIA opposite Meryl Streep and directed by Nora Ephron. His next film is BLIND DATE, opposite Patricia Clarkson, which he co-wrote and directed. Later this year, he will appear opposite Mark Wahlberg and Susan Sarandon in Peter Jackson's highly anticipated adaptation of the acclaimed Alice Sebold novel, THE LOVELY BONES.

Some of Mr. Tucci's other film credits include: SWING VOTE, THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX, WHAT JUST HAPPENED, DECONSTRUCTING HARRY, LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN, SHALL WE DANCE, THE PELICAN BRIEF, PRELUDE TO A KISS, and BILLY BATHGATE.

In addition to his accomplishments in film, audiences will also recognize his award-winning television performances, such as his Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series on MONK and an Emmy Award nomination for his role as Dr. Moretti on ER. In 2002, he won a Golden Globe Award and received an Emmy Award nomination for his brilliant portrayal of Lt. Colonel Adolf Eichmann in the television film, CONSPIRACY. He also received a Golden Globe, as well as an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Walter Winchell, a founder of American gossip, in the HBO original film, WINCHELL.

Mr. Tucci is an avid humanitarian working directly with the Food Bank for New York City, which works to end hunger and increase access to affordable food for low-income New Yorkers, as well as Change for Kids, which empowers children through unique education programs in New York City's most under resourced elementary schools. Additionally he is involved with Planned Parenthood, which helps individuals make informed and independent decisions about sex, health and family planning.

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About Aspen Filmfest

Celebrating three decades of bringing international and independent film and filmmakers to this mountain region, Aspen Filmfest, September 30 - October 4, will showcase award-winning features and documentaries making a name for themselves on the festival circuit, as well as previews of new fall releases and guest appearances.

The full festival program is scheduled for release Labor Day Weekend. Aspen Filmfest will take place in Aspen at the Wheeler Opera House and Isis Theatre, as well as in Carbondale at the Crystal Theatre.

Tickets go on sale September 21 at Aspen Show Tickets at the Wheeler Opera House, online at aspenshowtickets.com or by phone at (970) 920 5770. For more information, visit www.aspenfilm.org or call (970) 925 6882.

Aspen Filmfest is made possible in part by The City of Aspen, The Aspen Times, Aspen Peak, Aspen Public Radio, the Hotel Jerome, the Sky Hotel, and REEL PEOPLE, Aspen Film's membership program.