New Orleans Film Society to Honor Acclaimed Actress with 2025 Celluloid Hero Award
The New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) is rolling out the red carpet for a special hometown celebration of Lilly, a powerful new feature film starring New Orleans native Patricia Clarkson. The highly anticipated screening will take place Wednesday, April 2 at the Prytania Theatre, with the red carpet beginning at 7:00 PM and the film starting at 7:30 PM. Following the screening, Clarkson will participate in a live Q&A and retrospective celebrating the highlights of her illustrious career.
Seating for the event is limited, and tickets—which include access to the film and the post-screening conversation—are available for purchase through the New Orleans Film Society’s website.
This year, NOFS will honor Clarkson with its prestigious Celluloid Hero Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to film with a focus on Louisiana’s cinematic legacy. Previous recipients of the award include beloved performers and industry leaders such as John Goodman, Bryan Batt, Harry Shearer, Susan Brennan, and Matthew McConaughey.
A fixture in film and television, Clarkson boasts an impressive resume: a Golden Globe winner, three-time Primetime Emmy Award recipient, and Academy Award and Tony Award nominee. She is also deeply connected to New Orleans through her family; her mother, Jackie Clarkson, formerly led the New Orleans City Council and is a prominent figure in the city’s political and civic landscape.
The film Lilly has already made waves on the festival circuit, screening to acclaim at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where it was awarded the Anti-Defamation League’s Stand-Up Award for its message and impact. The film is set for a limited theatrical release beginning May 9.
This premiere not only marks a triumphant return for Clarkson but also underscores the New Orleans Film Society’s mission to highlight stories and storytellers rooted in the South. Founded in 1989, NOFS continues to serve as a vital force in regional filmmaking through its year-round programming, including the Oscar®-qualifying New Orleans Film Festival, the French Film Festival, and numerous outreach efforts to amplify diverse voices in cinema.
The April 2 event promises to be an unforgettable evening, bringing together film lovers, industry supporters, and proud locals to celebrate both a compelling new work and one of New Orleans’ most celebrated stars.
For tickets and more information, visit: Lilly | NOFS Year-Round Events
About the New Orleans Film Society:
The New Orleans Film Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting filmmakers and engaging audiences through film. With backing from the Ford Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the City of New Orleans, NOFS champions creative storytelling, education, and cultural dialogue throughout the region.
