“Now more than ever,” said Page, “it is so important for our voices to be amplified and represented in film and media, and for people to hear our stories.”
Outfest —the Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization founded by UCLA film students in 1982—announced Monday it will honor actor Elliot Page at its upcoming LGBTQ Film Festival. “It gives me great honor to be the recipient of this year’s Outfest Annual Achievement Award and represent the LGBTQ+ community,” Page said in a statement. “Now more than ever, it is so important for our voices to be amplified and represented in film and media, and for people to hear our stories.” Page came out as a transgender man last December, announcing his pronouns are he/they, and appeared on the cover of Time magazine in March as his authentic self for a story not just about himself, but responding to the onslaught of anti-trans legislation nationwide. The following month he sat down with trans journalist Thomas Page McBee for Vanity Fair and with Oprah Winfrey for powerful interviews about his identity, his transition and his joy in finally living his truth. He told Winfrey it’s the little things that bring him the most joy. “Getting out of the shower, and the towel’s around your waist,” Page said, “And you’re looking at yourself in the mirror, and you’re like, ‘There I am!’” The out transgender nonbinary actor will accept the award at the closing night gala August 22 at the Orpheum Theatre, according to Outfest. Kieran Medina, lead programmer of Outfest L.A.’s Annual Trans & Nonbinary Summit, will be the presenter. “When determining the recipient of our highest honor, we look for those that have been a powerful representative for our community, that have soared to the highest levels of recognition for their talent and who have stepped into the shoes themselves as an independent filmmaker and creator,” said Outfest Executive Director Damien S. Navarro. “There is no one more poised to receive this year’s Outfest Annual Achievement Award than Elliot. His courage, advocacy and personal journey have made him one of the most admired and respected public figures of his generation and his talent and voice are leading a new generation within the LGBTQIA+ and entertainment community.” In addition to honoring Page that night, Outfest will present actress and filmmaker Octavia Spencer with the James Schamus Ally Award, as reported by Variety last week. “I am so honored to be recognized with the 2021 Annual James Schamus Ally Award,” Spencer said in a statement on Aug.2. “I am proud to bring LGBTQIA+ stories to audiences all over the world and am thrilled that our own film, Right to Try, will be making its premiere at this important festival.
