Jessica Chastain to Receive Golden Icon Award at Zurich Film Festival

US actress Jessica Chastain will receive the Zurich Film Festival’s Golden Icon Award.

Chastain will present her latest movie “Memory” at the festival alongside director Michel Franco and co-star Peter Sarsgaard on October 1. The movie bowed at Venice where Sarsgaard won best actor.

“Memory” follows Sylvia (Chastain), a social worker who leads a simple and structured life revolving around her daughter, her job, and her AA meetings. 

This is disrupted when Saul (Sarsgaard) follows her home from their high school reunion. Their encounter profoundly impacts both of them as they open the door to the past.

In an interview with Variety, Franco said: “Jessica is possibly the best actress in the states right now, it’s not an exaggeration to say she’s the best actress in the world.”

Festival artistic director Christian Jungen said: “Jessica Chastain is one of the most eminent actresses of her generation. Known for her smart choice of roles, she’s also a virtuoso when it comes to imbuing her characters with profound depth. She never fails to captivate with her charisma and grace, yet her characters are invariably down to earth. Jessica is a true icon of American cinema.”

Previous recipients of the Golden Icon Award include Glenn Close, Hugh Grant, Diane Keaton, Richard Gere, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sean Penn, Sharon Stone, and Ben Kingsley.

The Zurich Film Festival runs from September 28 to October 8. The European premiere of Kristoffer Borgli‘s satire “Dream Scenario,” starring Nicolas Cage, will open the festival. A documentary about musician Pete Doherty, “Peter Doherty — Stranger in My Own Skin,” will have its world premiere in the festival’s Sounds section.