Van Wezel to Welcome Sophia Loren, 3/31

During this special evening The Sarasota Film Festival will present Sophia Loren with their 2016 Legend Award. Each year the Sarasota Film Festival recognizes an iconic performer, past recipients have included Kevin Bacon, Charlize Theron, Robert Altman, Felicity Huffman, Kevin Kline, Sidney Pollack, Stanley Tucci, Rachel Weisz, Jane Seymour, and many others. The event will mark the kickoff of the 2016 Sarasota Film Festival, which celebrates opening night on April 1st and continues through April 10th. "The relationship between the Van Wezel and the Sarasota Film Festival is a strong, vibrant one," said Mary Bensel, Executive Director, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. "We are delighted that the SFF will be honoring one of the film world's greatest living legends, Ms. Sophia Loren. In the past we have collaborated on bringing some of the screen world's biggest legends to the Hall."

Sophia Loren became known for her remarkable beauty and dramatic roles with prominent costars Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, and Paul Newman. The illustrious Italian movie star has earned a notable array of accolades, including the first Academy Award presented for a foreign-language role with Two Women. Her list of awards and recognitions is unparalleled and includes a record six David Di Donatello Awards for Best Actress, a GRAMMY Award, five special Golden Globe Awards and the Honorary Academy Award in 1991, recognizing her indelible contributions to world cinema.

Touted as "one of the last living goddesses of cinema" by Vanity Fair, Sophia Loren opens up for a candid conversation about her storied career at the Van Wezel. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime evening!

Tickets are $35-$130 and are available at VanWezel.org, the Box Office, or by calling 941-953-3368.