On the heels of the exhilarating return of the Sequoia Cinema last month, a cornerstone of entertainment for residents and visitors alike, this week unveiled an exciting teaser that the 2024 Mill Valley Film Festival will feature a Tribute to the remarkable contributions of esteemed BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated actor Jude Law at the 47th Mill Valley Film Festival (October 3 – 13, 2024). Law will be on hand for this special onstage conversation and presentation of the MVFF Award.
“Jude Law’s striking performance in his new film Firebrand is a reminder of his extraordinary career, one that defies pigeonholing with roles that are romantic and iconic, edgy and seductive, encompassing the queer, historic and fantastical,” said MVFF Director of Programming Zoë Elton. “From his early work on television and stage, including a Tony-nominated performance in Indiscretions, to acclaimed films like Wilde and Gattaca, Law has consistently showcased his versatile talent. He has taken on diverse roles, learning ballet for A.I.: Artificial Intelligence and saxophone for The Talented Mr. Ripley, for which he earned his first Oscar nomination.”
In the realm of cinema, few actors possess the captivating allure and versatile talent quite like Jude Law. With a career spanning decades, Law has left an indelible mark on the landscape of film, enchanting audiences with his magnetic presence and commanding performances. This tribute will revisit key moments from his films and examine his unique portrayal of Henry VIII in Firebrand, a testament to his remarkable and diverse career.
Jude Law, a BAFTA winner and Oscar®, Tony®, and Olivier Award-nominated actor, has had a prolific career spanning three decades. Known for his distinguished and immersive performances, Law’s work includes both independent films and major productions. He has collaborated with esteemed directors such as Anthony Minghella, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Soderbergh. Some of his notable roles include “Dickie Greenleaf” in The Talented Mr. Ripley, “Albus Dumbledore” in the Fantastic Beasts series, and “Dr. Watson” in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes franchise. Law’s performances have earned him multiple award nominations and significant box-office success.
Beyond acting, Law co-founded with creative partner Ben Jackson Riff Raff Entertainment Ltd. and established himself as a producer of note, developing material from the ground up stemming from a desire to entertain, challenge, and inform through inspired and fresh storytelling. Under his Riff Raff banner, Law has produced notable films including True Things, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, and Sleuth.
In 2024 in addition to Firebrand, Law leads the Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, Ron Howard’s Eden, and Justin Kurzel’s The Order, also produced by Riff Raff. He is currently in production on the Netflix series Black Rabbit, in which he stars opposite Jason Bateman, who also directs, and executive produces under Riff Raff.
As we head into the fall in a few months, there will likely be plenty more cinematic joy to celebrate.
For those that want to reminisce in the meantime, the 46th Mill Valley Film Festival in 2023 hosted a blockbuster event stocked with amazing films and renowned filmmakers but lacking a crucial ingredient, as many of the stars of the show remained on strike and unable to promote their films. Zoe Elton, the event’s director of programming told an audience at the Smith Rafael Film Center that it was “like going back to our roots,” when the event began as a director-oriented festival.
The opening night showcase film was “Day of the Fight,” which does not yet have distribution but does boast the directorial debut of Jack Huston. The British actor known for his work with Martin Scorsese (HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” and the role of Bobby Kennedy in “The Irishman”) and as a regular on the fourth season of “Fargo” is a black-and-white film about a boxer coming to terms with his past on the day of his first fight in 10 years.
After the multiple screenings of “Day of the Fight” kicked off the evening, the throngs of film lovers descended on Marin Country Mart in Larkspur for a multi-faceted party with live music and plenty of food and drinks.
The 46th Mill Valley Film Festival closed with a thrilling party on Fourth Street in downtown San Rafael. “A BIG thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s films, panels, conversations, and more,” organizer said in a statement. From our sponsors, donors, and members, to first-time attendees—we are so happy to have you as part of this Festival. We couldn’t do this without you!”
MVFF Streaming continues now through Sunday, Oct 22. Check out these feature-length films, or browse all titles, including short film collections here. Additional opportunities to see some of this year’s selections on the big screen are also happening at the Smith Rafael Film Center.
The results are in for the MVFF46 Audience Favorites! Find out, at left, who won for each category below, plus photos from the final day of the fest.
There were also plenty of lesser known films that delivered amazing stories and performances, including “I Am Hope,” a film chronicling ShakaJamal’s Effort to create a youth wellness program for Oakland Unified School District, and ‘Adrift,’ veteran filmmaker Rory Kennedy’s intervention into the ongoing global refugee crisis.
Other awards given out during MVFF included:
MVFF Awards for Directing | George C. Wolfe (Rustin) and Jeff Nichols (The Bikeriders)
MVFF Award for Breakthrough Directing | Cord Jefferson (American Fiction)
MVFF Award Lifetime Achievement: Collaboration | Todd Haynes & Christine Vachon (May December)
MVFF Award for Filmmaking | Sofia Coppola (Priscilla)
Mind the Gap Award Filmmaker of the Year | Emerald Fennell (Saltburn)
Mind the Gap Award Lifetime Achievements: Visionary Artist | Lynn Hershman Leeson
Mind the Gap Award Vision in Film Education | Dr. Jimmeka Anderson (Founder, Black Girls Film Camp)
Mind the Gap Creation Prize | Lila Avilés (Tótem)