Richard Gere will receive the coveted Golden Icon Award at this year’s Festival, taking place September 20th – 30th. The announcement was made by ZFF Directors Karl Spoerri and Nadja Schildknecht. Serving as the Festival’s most prestigious symbol of recognition, awarded in appreciation of the lifetime achievements of an actor or actress, the Golden Icon Award will be bestowed to Mr. Gere on the evening of Sunday, September 23 at the Corso Cinema. In addition to receivi...

So much is happening here that the only way to keep track of events and films is this -- a free associational diary, plus a wing and a prayer. But let me preface it by noting that this is the most sensational film festival I have ever attended, period. SUNDAY: Two films and two remarkable press conferences. The day starts with a 9 AM press screening of Scorcese's "The Departed" in the big hall. This is followed by a meeting with the press with Scorcese and Di Caprio up on the stage, accompanie...