Jeffrey Wright to receive Palm Springs International Film Awards “Career Achievement Award’

The Palm Springs International Film Awards announced Tony award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright will be this year's recipient of the "Career Achievement Award' for his performance in American Fiction.

Cord Jefferson's American Fiction is adapted from Percival Everett's novel "Erasure". In it, Wright plays a frustrated, novelist named Monk who is tired of the establishment profiting from "Black" entertainment that relies on offensive tropes. Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish "Black" book of his own that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy he claims to hate.

Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi applauded his performance.

"He gives an exceptional and smart performance as an author on the brink of a choice between his integrity and giving in to societal stereotypes." Chandi went on to say its because of this "career-best" performance that Wright is being recognized for the award.

Wright has won many awards throughout his career, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, a Drama Desk, and an AFI. He has performed in the theatre, in films and on television. Most recently, he worked on Wes Anderson's Asteroid City and George C. Wolfe's Rustin. Among the long list of his achievements, Wright made history by becoming the first African American actor to portray ‘Commissioner Gordon’ in Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman.

Wright will join this year’s previously announced honorees Emma Stone (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress), Cillian Murphy (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Breakthrough Performance Award), Greta Gerwig (Director of the Year) and Killers of the Flower Moon (Vanguard Award). The Palm Springs International Film Awards are taking place on January 4, 2024 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.