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Emma Thompson Honoured at Locarno

The British actress, screenwriter, and producer—widely respected for her rich and diverse body of work—is the only person in Oscar history to have won both for acting and screenwriting

Two-time Academy Award winner Emma Thompson is set to receive the prestigious Leopard Club Award at the upcoming 78th Locarno Film Festival, where her latest project The Dead of Winter will also make its world premiere.

The British actress, screenwriter, and producer—widely respected for her rich and diverse body of work—is the only person in Oscar history to have won both for acting and screenwriting. The Swiss festival, known for celebrating excellence in independent cinema, praised Thompson’s fearless career choices, ranging from arthouse dramas to global blockbusters.
In a statement, the festival organisers said:

“Thompson’s willingness to take risks with her roles has meant that she has remained a vital force on stage and screen for four decades, a testament to the depth of affection multiple generations of fans hold for her.”

Thompson’s celebrated credits include Howards End, The Remains of the Day, Sense and Sensibility, Angels in America, Love Actually, Nanny McPhee, Saving Mr. Banks, Cruella, Matilda the Musical, and Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. She also starred as Professor Trelawney in the Harry Potter franchise and executive produced and acted in the acclaimed BBC series Years and Years.

The world premiere of her latest thriller, The Dead of Winter, directed by Brian Kirk (Luther, Game of Thrones), is scheduled for August 8. Thompson plays a widowed fisherwoman in Minnesota who becomes caught in a snowstorm and interrupts the kidnapping of a teenager. The film is produced by Stampede Ventures and augenschein Filmproduktion.
Thompson, who also serves as an executive producer on the film, will attend the screening on Locarno’s iconic 8,000-seat Piazza Grande, where she will receive her award.

Locarno’s Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro praised the actor, saying:
“Emma Thompson embodies the best of a tradition of performers who continue to infuse each role with the deepest knowledge of the actor’s craft… She has continued to surprise audiences over a career that has earned her numerous accolades.”

Her long list of awards includes two Oscars, two Golden Globes, three BAFTAs, a Golden Lion, and an Emmy. She now joins the ranks of past Leopard Club Award recipients such as Faye Dunaway, Mia Farrow, Andy Garcia, Meg Ryan, and Hilary Swank. The Locarno Film Festival 2025 will run from August 6 to August 17, with a strong lineup expected to continue its tradition of spotlighting boundary-pushing cinema.

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