APRIL 28 (Reuters) — Hollywood veteran Robert Redford received the 42nd Chaplin Award from the Film Society of Lincoln Center on Monday (April 27) night.
“It was unexpected, which makes it even more special. And now I am just sort of taking it in. I’ll be able to answer it better after the evening is over,” said Redford of the honor.
Redford began his career in the entertainment industry in the early 1960’s which has included acting and behind scenes work as a director and producer.
In the early 1980’s the actor created the Sundance Institute and Film Festival in order to help emerging film makers.
“When you get down the line and you have success, if you’re lucky to have it, you think about, ‘well, what can I do with it?’ I thought about putting something back. That seemed to me like a good thing to do because it wasn’t going to involve money, money is not everything. So to create something that would create opportunities for other people, that gave me great satisfaction,” said Redford.
After more than five decades in the movie business Redford says he still enjoys the process of making films.
“It’s a creative enterprise, just like art, just like painting, music. Creating something can be done in different categories. So to do it in film is just another expression, which is great. Because it translates so well because so many people see the work, if you’re lucky,” Redford said.
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Sting,” “Out of Africa” and “All the President’s Men,” which told the story of journalists Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward and their investigation into the Watergate scandal, are a few of his notable films.
Bernstein attended the ceremony and said he felt gratefully obliged to attend.
“Redford has figured obviously, in my life, in Bob Woodward’s life, in the life of our work. And those of us who have figured in his life owe him something, and we owe him to show up here tonight. And to pay tribute to somebody who has probably done as much for film as anyone you can think of. Think about the institute, think about the body of work, it’s remarkable,” said Bernstein.
Co-star and friend Jane Fonda, director J.C. Chandor and actress Elizabeth Moss also came out to support Redford.
Stars ranging from Bette Davis and Elizabeth Taylor to Tom Hanks have received the award, which was renamed for its first recipient Charles Chaplin, who returned to the United States from exile to accept the commendation in 1972. (New York, United States)
