Scarlett Johansson to Receive 2016 Renaissance Award From Gene Siskel Film Center

The Gene Siskel Film Center (GSFC) of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) will celebrate one of Hollywood's most talented young actresses when it pays tribute to Tony and BAFTA winner and four-time Golden Globe nominee Scarlett Johansson, Saturday, June 11, 2016, at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (160 E. Pearson St.). "Celebrate Scarlett" will pay tribute to Johansson's accomplishments as an actor as well as give attendees the opportunity to hear an intimate conversation providing insights into her creative process and influences, favorite roles, upcoming projects and more. A retrospective of film clips from some of her most memorable performances will accompany the conversation highlighting her illustrious career. The evening will culminate with the presentation of the Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award to Johansson by SAIC President Dr. Walter E. Massey and GSFC Advisory Board Chair Ellen Sandor.

"Scarlett Johansson has created some of the most memorable roles of our generation," said GSFC Executive Director Jean de St. Aubin. "Her diverse body of work speaks to how versatile and multifaceted she is, and the way she has stretched herself in all genres of acting, both on the screen and the stage, shows the depth of her talent. The GSFC was honored to host advanced screenings of two of Johansson's most memorable performances, "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and "Lost in Translation," and we are honored to celebrate her with this special award."

Each year, the GSFC celebrates THE ART OF film by honoring a filmmaker who advances THE ART OF cinema. Past Renaissance Award honorees have included some of the most respected actors and directors working in the film industry today, including Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Reese Witherspoon, Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., George Lucas, Nicole Kidman, Bob Balaban, John Woo, Michael Mann and William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman.

The benefit is co-chaired by longstanding GSFC supporters and Advisory Board members Marlene Iglitzen and Ellen Kollar. The chair of the GSFC Advisory Board is Ellen Sandor. All proceeds support the Gene Siskel Film Center's curated film programming as well as lecture series and discussions with visiting scholars and filmmakers. This programming provides the opportunity for students and the Chicago community to experience the best in film presentation. The annual fundraiser is the primary event that ensures that the GSFC can continue to present the highest quality films and film-related events in Chicago.

The Renaissance Award was designed specifically for the Gene Siskel Film Center by R.S. Owens & Company, creator of the Oscar statuette.

Scarlett Johansson is a Tony and BAFTA award winner and four-time Golden Globe nominee. She was most recently seen in the title role of Luc Besson's globally successful action-thriller "Lucy." Her other film credits include "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Under the Skin," "Her," "Lost in Translation," "The Horse Whisperer," "Ghost World," "The Man Who Wasn't There," "Chef," "The Avengers," "Don Jon," "Hitchcock," "We Bought A Zoo," "Iron Man 2," "In Good Company," "A Love Song for Bobby Long," "Match Point," "He's Just Not That Into You," "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," "The Other Boleyn Girl," "The Spirit," "Girl with a Pearl Earring," "The Island," "The Black Dahlia," "The Prestige" and "The Nanny Diaries." She won a Tony for her Broadway debut in the ARTHUR Miller play "A View from a Bridge" and took on the role of 'Maggie' in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" for her second run on Broadway. She can be seen in three upcoming releases including the latest Coen Brothers film "Hail, Caesar!," as THE VOICE of python 'Kaa' in Disney's upcoming live action/CGI animation adaptation of "The Jungle Book" and as the lead role in "Ghost in the Shell" out in 2017. She will also reprise her role as 'Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow' in "Captain America: Civil War."

The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago proudly presents the Renaissance Award Gala in honor of Scarlett Johansson Saturday, June 11 at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson Street. Single tickets range in price from $500 to $1,000 (VIP). Table sponsorships range in price from $7,500 to $50,000. Call (312) 846-2072 for tickets, tables or more information.

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