Acclaimed actress, director, and producer Olivia Wilde is set to be honored with the Creativity Award at the 71st Taormina Film Festival, which will be held from June 10–14 in the picturesque hilltop town of Taormina, Sicily.
Wilde, who began her career as an assistant casting director before breaking out as an actress in television hits such as The O.C. and House, made a striking debut as a feature film director with 2019’s Booksmart. She followed that up with the 2022 psychological thriller Don’t Worry Darling, continuing to establish herself as a significant voice in contemporary movie direction.
Currently, Wilde is preparing to direct the comedy The Invite, based on a script by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. The ensemble cast includes Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penélope Cruz. She is also set to helm Avengelyne, a film adaptation of the 1990s comic book heroine for Warner Bros., and Universal’s holiday comedy Naughty. Both projects are being produced by Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley’s production company, LuckyChap.
Festival artistic director Tiziana Rocca praised Wilde’s impact on the industry, stating:
“We are honored to welcome Olivia Wilde to the 71st edition of the Taormina Film Festival. Olivia represents a shining example of female creative power, combining elegance, intelligence, and determination. Her presence will greatly enrich this year’s program and offer the audience a unique opportunity to engage with one of the key figures in contemporary cinema.”
Wilde joins a high-profile lineup of honorees and guests at this year’s festival, which includes cinematic luminaries such as Martin Scorsese, Michael Douglas, Catherine Deneuve, and Helen Hunt. The event continues to celebrate a wide range of movie genres, drawing global attention to both emerging talents and established icons.
The international jury for the edition will be presided over by Oscar-winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, with notable figures like British actor Rupert Everett and three-time Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell among the panelists.
Additionally, the festival will open with a special screening of Ballerina, a spinoff of Lionsgate’s John Wick franchise, presented by director Len Wiseman and actor Norman Reedus.
For fans of impactful movie characters and visionary storytelling, Wilde’s recognition marks a significant highlight in an already star-studded program.
