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Santa Fe International Film Festival 2024 to Honor Bryan Cranston With Lifetime Achievement Award

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Bryan Cranston will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Santa Fe International Film Festival.

The festival runs from Oct. 16-20 at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, N.M.

“Bryan Cranston’s work has inspired generations of actors and captivated audiences worldwide, cementing his place as one of the most respected and accomplished figures in the industry,” said SFiFF executive director Liesette Bailey, “We are truly honored to present him with the Santa Fe International Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award, not only in recognition of his exceptional body of work, but also for the deep connection he shares with the people of New Mexico and the lasting impact he has made on our community with his role in the iconic series ‘Breaking Bad’.”

Cranston joins a star-studded list of former honorees which includes Oliver Stone, Catherine Hardwicke, Godfrey Reggio, Tantoo Cardinal, Shirley MacLaine, John Sayles, Jay Roach, Sterlin Harjo and Gena Rowlands.

Opening the festival will be Malcolm Washington’s directorial debut “The Piano Lesson,” starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Danielle Deadwyler and Corey Hawkins. The film follows two brothers and their battle for a prized heirloom piano.

Amber Sealey’s “Out of My Mind” will close the festival, which follows a nonverbal youngster with cerebral palsy as she struggles to navigate the sixth grade. The film stars Phoebe-Rae Taylor, Jennifer Aniston, Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby and Judith Light.

“Both films exemplify the power of storytelling at its best— ‘The Piano Lesson’ explores the profound themes of family legacies, while ‘Out of My Mind’ presents a deeply moving narrative that champions diversity and inclusion,” added Bailey. “These films beautifully reflect the core values of our festival, and we are excited to bring these two remarkable works to our audience.”

The full Sante Fe International Film Festival program will be announced at a later date. Tickets to the event can be purchased on the SFiFF website.

By Jack Dunn