Cinema/Chicago, presenter of the Chicago International Film Festival, held its 2026 Cinema Soirée gala Saturday, July 18, 2026 at the Geraghty. Hosted by legendary Today Show personality Al Roker, honorees included hometown actor Ben Foster (Hell or High Water, upcoming Motor City and The Stunt Driver) receiving the Tour de Force Award, recognizing decades of bold and bravura screen performances; Gone Girl author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn receiving the Artistic Achievement Award; and Chicago-based filmmakers Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan (Ghostlight, upcoming Mouse) receiving the Vanguard Award. Other special guests in attendance included actors Rainn Wilson and Regina Taylor.
The biennial Cinema/Chicago Soirée raises funds for year-round programming, including the Chicago International Film Festival, celebrating its 62nd edition October 14 – 25, 2026; Summer Screenings, presenting global cinema to Chicago audiences with 19 free screenings presented Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer; CineYouth, which showcases the work of filmmakers age 22 and younger; the Chicago Industry Exchange Lab (CIX), a year-long feature film development program; Industry Days, the Festival’s annual conference for filmmakers and industry professionals; Community Cinema, which presents free screenings in neighborhoods throughout Chicago; and other educational and public programs that connect audiences with filmmakers from around the world.
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