The Gasparilla Film Festival has announced that Rita Moreno will be bestowed with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The fest will run from March 30 through April 3 and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year,
The Latina actress, singer and dancer is one of few to earn the legendary EGOT status, winning Emmy, Tony, Oscar and Grammy awards. Her Oscar came in 1962 after playing Anita in the film version of “West Side Story,” for which she also won a Golden Globe. Her Tony win was for her 1975 comedic turn as Googie Gomez in Broadway’s “The Ritz.” The Grammy was for her 1972 performance on “The Electric Company Album,” based on the long-running children’s television series. Moreno holds two Emmys — the first for a 1977 appearance on “The Muppet Show” and another for a dramatic turn on “The Rockford Files.”
But while Moreno’s many awards came decades ago, she hasn’t stopped working since. Most recently she played Gina Rodriguez’s grandmother on The CW’s “Jane the Virgin.” Rodriguez gave a touching tribute to Moreno during last year’s Kennedy Center honors, where Moreno was an honoree.
“We are beyond honored that she has accepted to come to GIFF to accept the award and participate in the festival with her new film ‘Remember Me’,” said Festival Co-Director Rachel Feinman.
“She’s the kind of artist that is a role model to up and coming artists and filmmakers” added Monica Varner, Festival Co-Director.
Moreno plays a recent widow with immature grandchildren in “Remember Me.”
GIFF’s mission is to provide year-long support for film screening, production and education throughout the Tampa Bay Region. For more information about the festival and tickets, check out their website.
[via Press materials]
