EXCLUSIVE: Actress, director and producer Olivia Wilde will receive the Taormina Film Festival’s Creativity Award at the 71st edition of the event which runs June 10-14 in the hilltop Sicilian town.
Wilde, who started out as an assistant casting director and moved into acting on such series as The O.C. and House, made her feature directing debut with 2019’s Booksmart, following it up with 2022’s Don’t Worry Darling.
As an actress, Wilde has thriller I Want Your Sex from Gregg Araki and Black Bear on deck. Cooper Hoffman and pop superstar Charli XCX also star.
Wilde is also on her next directing gig, comedy The Invite, from a screenplay by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. She stars alongside Seth Rogen, Edward Norton and Penélope Cruz.
Further, she’s attached to direct Avengelyne, a feature adaptation of the 1990s comic book character for Warner Bros, and Universal’s Christmas comedy Naughty, both of which will be produced by Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley’s LuckyChap.
Taormina Artistic Director, Tiziana Rocca, commented: “We are honored to welcome Olivia Wilde to the 71st edition of the Taormina Film Festival. Olivia represents a shining example of female creative power, combining elegance, intelligence and determination. Her presence will greatly enrich this year’s program and offer the audience a unique opportunity to engage with one of the key figures in contemporary cinema.”
Wilde’s addition to the program further expands a starry list of attendees and honorees in Taormina, which includes Martin Scorsese, Michael Douglas, Catherine Deneuve and Helen Hunt.
The international jury will be led by Oscar-winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, with panel support from British actor Rupert Everett, three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell and more. Lionsgate’s John Wick spinoff Ballerina will open Taormina with director Len Wiseman and actor Norman Reedus presenting.
