James Gray to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Locarno Film Festival

The Locarno Film Festival will honor American director James Gray with a lifetime achievement award at its 79th edition in August. Gray is set to receive the Pardo alla Carriera (Career Leopard) on August 9, followed by an open-air screening of his latest film, “Paper Tiger,” on the festival’s Piazza Grande, which can hold up to 8,000 people. Festival organizers praised Gray’s work, noting that his films reflect a rich blend of influences including Jewish diaspora, film noir, and Russian and North American literature. Gray’s filmography includes critically acclaimed titles such as “The Immigrant,” “Lost City of Z,” and “Ad Astra.” The Locarno Film Festival, held annually in Switzerland, is known for honoring influential filmmakers. Gray’s appearance will include a discussion of his career and the screening of “Paper Tiger,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May. The award recognizes Gray’s significant contributions to cinema over his decades-long career.