The Gotham Film & Media Institute will recognize Focus Features’ “Elsinore” with a Gotham Legacy Tribute at the Gotham Film Awards on Nov. 30, honoring the film’s subject, actor Ian Charleson.
The tribute, which takes place at Cipriani Wall Street in New York, will honor the film and its star Andrew Scott, screenwriter Stephen Beresford and director Simon Stone for bringing the legacy of actor and advocate Charleson to new audiences. Charleson, who died in 1990, was the star of the Oscar-winning “Chariots of Fire.”
“In his final months, Ian Charleson affirmed his talent, his determination, and what it means to be an actor,” said Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute. “With Elsinore, Andrew Scott, Stephen Beresford, Simon Stone, and the entire production team have made a deeply moving film about a life devoted to performance and the community that supported him. We are delighted to celebrate Elsinore with the Gotham Legacy Tribute in recognition of the remarkable artist who inspired it.”
“Elsinore” tells the story of the Scottish actor who received a devastating AIDS diagnosis at the same time as has the chance to take on the stage role of a lifetime in “Hamlet.”
“’Elsinore’ follows an actor at the height of his powers as he strives to command the stage, facing his own mortality with unflinching honesty, wit, and grace. His final performance becomes his greatest triumph, and a source of healing and inspiration for those around him,” the synopsis reads.
In addition to Scott, “Elsinore” stars Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, and Joe Locke. Colman plays Dr. Margaret Johnson, who treated Charleson and fellow gay men during the HIV epidemic, launching the first-ever dedicated HIV clinic.
“Elsinore” premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and went on to screen in the Special Presentations section at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received the International People’s Choice Award.
It opens Nov. 20 in limited release and will expand over the Thanksgiving holiday and through December. “Elsinore” is produced by Studiocanal, LD Entertainment, Lucky Red and Magnolia Mae Films.
Also at the Gotham Awards, “Michael” will receive the musical tribute, “La Bola Negra” will receive the Vanguard Tribute, Danny Boyle will receive the director tribute for “Ink” and Laika will receive the anniversary tribute.
Nominees for the 36th annual Gotham Film Awards will be announced on Oct. 27.