Variety will present actor Steve Carell with the Creative Impact in Acting Award, presented by Mercedes-Benz, which celebrates his scope of work, ranging from his comedic performances to his most recent dramatic work with his critically acclaimed and groundbreaking performance in this year’s “Foxcatcher,” for which he has received both Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations. In addition, Variety will present two-time Directors Guild of American Award-winner and Oscar, Golden Globe, and Tony Award nominated director Rob Marshall with the Creative Impact in Directing Award, presented by Mercedes-Benz, which celebrates his career as a theater and film director, specifically for his work in translating the acclaimed Sondheim musical “Into the Woods” onto the screen. New to the program this year, Variety will present Emmy Award winning comedian, director and actor Chris Rock with the Creative Impact in Comedy Award, presented by Mercedes-Benz, for his critically acclaimed film “Top Five,” for which he was honored with the Spotlight Award by the National Board of Review for writing, directing and starring in the film. “Top Five” was also recognized by the Broadcast Film Critics Association with nominations for Best Comedy, Best Actor in a Comedy for Rock and Best Actress in a Comedy for Rosario Dawson.
“Since his emergence as one of America’s most gifted comedic actors two decades ago, Steve Carell’s career has moved through breakout hit television and film roles from “The 40 Year Old Virgin” to “Little Miss Sunshine” to “The Office.” Now, with his gripping portrayal of a man whose dreams and whims are overwhelmed by internal destructive forces beyond his control, Carell is firmly placed in the front ranks of America’s finest dramatic performers,” said Steve Gaydos, Vice President and Executive Editor at Variety. “Likewise director Rob Marshall not only re-launched the modern movie musical with ‘Chicago,’ he managed to translate one of the most complicated and beloved musicals of our time to the big screen with the recent “Into The Woods” and showcases and continuing creative vitality and artistic risk-taking in all of his work. We are especially excited to add a comedy award into the program this year. Long regarded as one of America’s funniest and most groundbreaking comedians, Chris Rock has just taken his career and art to a new level with “Top Five.” Straight from its first festival screening, which resulted in a massive bidding war and created anticipation for Rock’s legions of fans, “Top Five” established the comic as one of America’s most provocative and dynamic filmmakers.”
Previous recipients have included Jonah Hill, David O. Russell, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Charlize Theron and Mark Wahlberg.