Outfest, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing, showcasing and protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media, will present its 14th Annual Achievement Award to actor Jane Lynch.
The Achievement Award is Outfest's highest honor and is presented in recognition of a body of work that has made a significant contribution to LGBT film and media. The award will be presented to Lynch prior to the Opening Night Gala screening on Thursday, July 8 at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.
"As an actor, comedienne and longtime activist for gay rights issues, Jane has had a profound impact on both mainstream and LGBT audiences," said Kirsten Schaffer, Executive Director of Outfest. "Through her roles in both independent films and blockbuster hits, as well as television, she continually demonstrates her brilliant comedic timing. Jane is funny, fearless and we are proud to honor her this year for her incredible talent, passion and her enduring advocacy for equal rights."
Last year's Outfest Achievement Award went to Don Roos and previous recipients include: Jane Anderson, Gregg Araki, Bill Condon, Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, Todd Haynes, Sir Ian McKellen and Gus Van Sant.
Lynch most recently received a Golden Globe nomination for her brilliant portrayal of Sue Sylvester on FOX's hit comedy "Glee," and won, along with her fellow cast members, a 2009 Screen Actors Guild award for Best Ensemble in a comedy. Her film credits include "Julie & Julia," "Post Grad" and "Paul and Brownie Masters."
She is a longtime collaborator of Christopher Guest, appearing in "For Your Consideration," "A Mighty Wind" and "Best in Show." Other film credits include "Role Models," "The Rocker," "Spring Breakdown," "Alvin and the Chipmunks," "Walk Hard," "Talladega Nights," "The 40 Year Old Virgin," "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events," Margaret Cho's "Celeste and Bam Bam," Alan Cumming's "Suffering Man's Charity," and Outfest 2008 Closing Night Film "Tru Loved."
Her recent television credits include "Party Down," "Lovespring International," "Desperate Housewives," "Weeds," as well as the last season of "The L Word" opposite Cybill Shepherd. She has had recurring roles on "Boston Legal," "Two and a Half Men," "Criminal Minds" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine."
Lynch cut her theatrical teeth at The Second City, Steppenwolf Theatre and in many church basements all over the greater Chicago area. Her play "Oh Sister, My Sister!" had runs at the Tamarind Theatre and Bang Theater, garnering the LA Weekly Comedy Ensemble of the Year Award.
The complete line-up for Outfest 2010 will be announced in late May.
For more information on becoming a member of Outfest, please visit www.outfest.org.
