NEWSLETTER
Rochester, N.Y. (May 11, 2023) — The George Eastman Museum has announced that George Eastman Award recipient and two-time Academy Award winner Jodie Foster will introduce a special, public screening of The Silence of the Lambs (Jonathan Demme, 1991) at the Dryden Theatre on Wednesday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m., EST. Foster will be in Rochester to accept the George Eastman Award on Thursday, May 25, also at the Dryden Theatre, and has agreed to talk about the film on stage prior to the screening on May 24.
Tickets to the film screening are $60 and can be purchased online at eastman.org/eastmanaward2023 beginning Friday, May 12 at 10 a.m. for George Eastman Museum members. If there are tickets remaining, they will be released to the general public on Monday, May 15 at 10 a.m.
One of the most critically acclaimed actresses of her generation, Foster has created a wide range of unforgettable and inspiring characters for more than 45 years. Among many accolades, she has received two Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role and two other Academy Award nominations, as well as four Golden Globe awards from among eleven nominations. In 2012, she was presented with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment, the fourth-youngest among the august recipients of that tribute.
Foster will accept the George Eastman Award in a ceremony on Thursday, May 25, at 8 p.m. in the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman Museum. The ceremony will feature an appreciation of her career by Peter Bagrov (Senior Curator, Moving Image Department), a compilation of highlights of her work, and a conversation with Foster, to be followed by a gala in the museum, which is open to the public.
About The Silence of the Lambs
Directed by Jonathan Demme and based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Harris, this critically acclaimed movie has become a cornerstone in the psychological thriller genre.
The Silence of the Lambs follows the gripping story of Clarice Starling, a young FBI trainee played by Jodie Foster, as she embarks on a dangerous journey to catch a serial killer. In order to solve the case, Clarice seeks the help of the brilliant but manipulative psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, portrayed by Sir Anthony Hopkins in an equally iconic performance.
As Clarice delves deeper into the mind of the elusive killer known as "Buffalo Bill," she must confront her own fears and vulnerabilities. Her interactions with Dr. Lecter, who becomes an eerie mentor figure, provide both psychological insights and unsettling thrills. The intense cat-and-mouse game between Clarice and Buffalo Bill builds tension throughout the film, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.
The Silence of the Lambs masterfully combines elements of crime, horror, and psychological suspense, creating an atmosphere of palpable unease. The film's meticulous direction, skillful performances, and tight script earned it critical acclaim, resulting in an impressive five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Beyond its thrilling narrative, The Silence of the Lambs explores themes of identity, power, and the complex relationship between Clarice and Dr. Lecter. The film has left a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations, spin-offs, and references in other media.
Ticket Information
The Silence of the Lambs screening will include a talk about the film by George Eastman Award honoree Jodie Foster on stage prior to the screening. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online at eastman.org/eastmanaward2023. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Monday, May 15 at 10 a.m. All seating is general admission. George Eastman Museum Members will have access to advance ticket sales, beginning May 12. To become a member of the George Eastman Museum, visit eastman.org/membership, or call (585) 327-4899. There will be no autographs or photos with Foster.
About the George Eastman Museum
Founded in 1947, the George Eastman Museum is the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the largest film archives in the United States, located on the historic Rochester estate of entrepreneur and philanthropist George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography. Its holdings comprise more than 400,000 photographs, 28,000 motion picture films, the world’s preeminent collection of photographic and cinematographic technology, one of the leading libraries of books related to photography and cinema, and extensive holdings of documents and other objects related to George Eastman. As a research and teaching institution, the Eastman Museum has an active publishing program and, its L. Jeffrey Selznick School of Film Preservation’s graduate program
(a collaboration with the University of Rochester) makes critical contributions to film preservation. For more information, visit eastman.org.
About the George Eastman Award
The George Eastman Award for distinguished contribution to the art of cinema was established by the Eastman Museum in 1955 to raise awareness of the imperative of the film preservation. The first two presentations of the award in 1955 and 1957, known as the Festival of Film Artists, were a tribute to the legends of the silent film era (1915–1930). Since then, the George Eastman Award has honored a range of actors, directors, and cinematographers.
ATTENTION—Media: Video/Photos are permitted. There will not be opportunities for an 1:1 interview. High-res photos of the actor, bio, and film stills available at: https://eastmanmuseum.box.com/v/jodiefostergeaward2023
Media Contact:
Nathaniel Smith
(585) 327-4813