Hollywood, CA -- July 6, 1999 -- The 3rd Annual Hollywood Film Festival has announced that distinguished director John Schlesinger, winner of the Best Director Oscar for "Midnight Cowboy" as well as Academy Award nominations for "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Darling," will be honored with the festival's "Hollywood Outstanding Achievement in Directing Award." The announcement was made today by Carlos de Abreu, Founder and Executive Director of the Hollywood Film Festival.

Regarding the announcement, Mr. de Abreu states "Mr. Schlesinger's body of work is a demonstration of excellence. His outstanding vision, talent and command of his craft have made him one of Hollywood's most accomplished and highly regarded directors."

The "Hollywood Outstanding Achievement in Directing Award" will be bestowed upon Mr. Schlesinger as part of the Hollywood Film Awards Gala Ceremony on Monday evening, August 9, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

Mr. Schlesinger's films include "A Kind of Loving," "Billy Liar," "Darling," "Far From the Madding Crowd," "Midnight Cowboy," "Sunday Bloody Sunday," "The Day of the Locust," "Marathon Man," "Yanks," "The Falcon and the Snowman," "Madame Sousatzka," "Cold Comfort Farm," and "Eye for an Eye," among others. His most recent project is "The Next Best Thing," starring Madonna and Rupert Everett. Mr. Schlesinger, an actor himself, has helped to make stars of such performers as Alan Bates, Julie Christie, Tom Courtenay, Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight. In addition to his Oscar for "Midnight Cowboy" and Academy Award nominations, he has won three BAFTA awards and the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement, in addition to receiving many other honors, awards and nominations for his work.

The Hollywood Film Festival was founded by Carlos de Abreu and Janice Pennington, and its co-founders, chairs, and co-chairs include John Briley, James Cameron, Martha Coolidge, Richard Donner, Gene Hackman, Peter Hyams, Norman Jewison, Ted Kotcheff, Martin Landau, Mimi Leder, George Litto, Penny Marshall, Paul Mazursky, James Orr, David Permut, Fred Roos, Mark Rydell, Quentin Tarantino, and actor James Woods, among many other Hollywood notables.

For Hollywood Film Festival contact:
310.288.1882
awards@hollywoodawards.com