Newport Beach to Honor Jennifer Saunders at U.K.-Ireland Honors Event

The Newport Beach Film Festival has recently announced the recipients of this year’s Icon and Artists of Distinction awards, set to be honored at the upcoming U.K. and Ireland Honors event. Hosted by Nick Mohammed and Edith Bowman, the event will celebrate the exceptional talent within the entertainment industry.

Leading the pack is the iconic comedian and actor, Jennifer Saunders, who will be receiving the prestigious Icon Award. Known for her groundbreaking work in sitcoms like “Absolutely Fabulous” and sketch comedy series “French and Saunders” alongside Dawn French, Saunders has made a lasting impact on the industry. Her versatile career includes roles in global blockbusters such as “Shrek,” “Sing,” and “Death on the Nile,” as well as acclaimed projects like “Allelujah!” and “The Stranger.”

Fans can look forward to seeing Saunders in the highly anticipated film “The Magic Faraway Tree,” where she will portray the character Grandma Thompson, further solidifying her status as a beloved and talented performer.

In addition to Saunders, the Artist of Distinction award will be presented to a group of established talents who have significantly contributed to the U.K. and Ireland entertainment industry. This year’s honorees include Jack O’Connell, Sam Claflin, Shirley Henderson, Sophie Turner, and Timothy Spall, all of whom have left their mark on film and television with their exceptional work.

From O’Connell’s standout performances in films like “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” to Claflin’s memorable roles in “Hunger Games” and “Love, Rosie,” each honoree brings a unique flair to the screen. Henderson’s diverse filmography includes hits like “Bridget Jones” and “Trainspotting,” while Turner has garnered praise for her roles in “Game of Thrones” and upcoming projects like “Tomb Raider.” Spall, a BAFTA award winner, is a veteran of the industry with standout performances in the Harry Potter franchise and other acclaimed films.

Gary Sherwin, President and CEO of Visit Newport Beach, and Gregg Schwenk, CEO of Newport Beach Film Festival, expressed their excitement for this year’s honorees, praising their outstanding contributions to the industry. They emphasized the high standard of work coming out of the U.K. and Ireland and eagerly anticipate celebrating these talented individuals at the upcoming ceremony.

The Newport Beach Film Festival U.K. and Ireland Honors event promises to be a night of recognition and celebration for these exceptional artists, showcasing the best of British and Irish talent in the entertainment industry.