Julianne Moore Accepts Zurich’s Golden Icon Award

Julianne Moore, the American actress received the Zurich Film Festival's Golden Icon Award in flawless German. She attended with Jesse Eisenberg, who directs her in The Debut, a musical-comedy with Paul Giamatti, shown at the festival.

Moore reflected on her European childhood during her speech, crediting her German teacher for inspiring her acting career. On the red carpet, she expressed delight at the award and praised Eisenberg as a creative partner.

Eisenberg’s third film follows Mona Friedman (Moore) evolving from a timid housewife to a dedicated method actor. He described Mona as a reflection of his own childhood theater experiences and praised Moore’s irreplaceable talent.

Moore’s acclaimed performances include Still Alice, The Hours, and The Kids Are All Right. Upcoming projects include Echo Valley, The Room Next Door, and Sirens. She will star in the Off-Broadway play Faydra.

Director Martin McDonagh received the festival’s A Tribute To… Award for Wild Horse Nine, starring John Malkovich, set before the 1973 Chilean coup. McDonagh praised the film's setting and cast, including Sam Rockwell and Steve Buscemi.

Other awards include Tom Hiddleston’s Golden Eye for Tenzing and John Turturro’s forthcoming honor for The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. The 22nd Zurich Film Festival runs from Sept. 24 to Oct. 4.