The SAG strike may be ongoing, but awards shows are figuring out ways to navigate around the strict union rules for awards contenders. The Gotham Awards will take place in a little over a month and with a deal nowhere in sight they have announced their first two honorees, “Maestro’s” Bradley Cooper and “Air’s” Ben Affleck. Two directors who also happen to star in their own films.
READ MORE: 18 Big Questions for the 2024 Oscars Season
Cooper will be handed the Icon & Creator Tribute while Affleck will receive the The Gotham Visionary Icon & Creator Tribute.
According to a release from the Gothams, Cooper’s Icon & Creator Tribute was created “in order to recognize cultural icons and the filmmakers responsible for bringing that icon’s story to life.” And “The Gotham will honor New York legend Leonard Bernstein, the acclaimed musician, conductor, composer, teacher, and author while celebrating Cooper and his masterful effort in cinematically capturing his story.”
The Visionary Icon & Creator Tribute will honor both the, um, “visionaries behind the Michael Jordan partnership and celebrate Ben Affleck’s superb film that so compellingly brings this story to life.”
Regarding Cooper, Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute noted, “With ‘Maestro’, Bradley Cooper and the film’s entire creative team have vividly brought to life the story of an almost mythical figure in popular culture. Cooper has crafted a powerful story that highlights the ecstatic highs and anguished lows that come with a life pursuing love, family, and art. It is our privilege to honor Bernstein, Cooper, and this spectacular film.”
As for Affleck, Sharp remarked, “Both gripping and hilarious, ‘Air’ is a deeply refreshing reminder to the film industry that audiences respond to smart, original narratives. By capturing the dramatic story behind the most monumental partnership in the history of sports marketing, the film highlights the power of knowing your worth and using that knowledge to take the right risks. We are privileged to honor both the story behind a legend and the ‘Air’ team who brought that story to life with the Visionary Icon & Creator Tribute.”
The 2023 Gotham Awards nominations will be revealed on Tuesday, October 24. And a heads up that this year, the awards have no budgetary limit. Expect a number of high-priced films that you wouldn’t traditionally consider “indie” to make the cut.
At this point, only actors nominated in non-AMPTP projects are expected to attend the ceremony.
The 33rd Gotham Awards will take place on Monday, November 27 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.