Chicago — The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) proudly presents "A Night With Jamie Foxx" for its annual benefit in honor of Academy Award® winning actorJamie Foxx on Saturday, June 4, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton (160 E. Pearson Street). 2010's Renaissance Award-winner, Robert Downey, Jr., will return to Chicago to fete and lead a conversation with Foxx, a close personal friend who co-starred with Downey in the films "The Soloist" and "Due Date." Tickets are on sale now, available by calling (312) 846-2072. Prices start at $400 for a single ticket and $5,000 for a table.
A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the "Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award" to Foxx by Robert Downey, Jr. and SAIC President Dr. Walter E. Massey, and a career-chronicling discussion between the two stars, featuring clips from Foxx's career and questions from event attendees.
"This will be a night to remember, featuring two of the cinema's leading talents," says Jean de St. Aubin, executive director, Gene Siskel Film Center of the SAIC. "There are few performers today who are as prolific as Jamie Foxx, spanning a wide range of disciplines, from stand up comedy to acting to music. Last year's gala attendees will recall that Robert Downey Jr. is smart, funny and insightful. Combining the two of them will surely result in a potent blend. We are even putting a piano on the stage; just in case they want to treat us to a musical performance."
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a reception. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Raffle Prize winners will be announced at 8 p.m., followed by the evening's program. Massey will welcome guests and serve as the evening's Master of Ceremonies.
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to present Mr. Foxx with this award," said Massey. "He is truly a renaissance man, and as such embodies the interdisciplinary focus of both the Gene Siskel Film Center and SAIC. He is a perfect recipient for this award."
The award was designed specifically for "A Night with Jamie Foxx" by R.S. Owens & Company, creator of the Oscar®statuette.
Suggested attire for the evening is Cocktail Glam. Limited valet parking is available.
Proceeds from "A Night with Jamie Foxx" will support the Gene Siskel Film Center's presentations as well as lecture series and discussions with visiting scholars and filmmakers that provide the opportunity for students and the Chicago community to experience the best in film presentation. The annual fundraiser is the primary event that ensures that the Gene Siskel Film Center can continue to present the highest quality films and film-related events in Chicago.
About Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx has spent the last 20 years building his reputation as one of the most prolific actors, comedians, and musicians in the country. He began his career on the comedy circuit, and was soon picked up by the landmark comedy series "In Living Color." In 1996 he co-created, executive produced and starred in "The Jamie Foxx Show." Foxx's big-screen break came in 1999 when Oliver Stone cast him as star quarterback Willie Beaman in "Any Given Sunday." In 2005 he became the first actor to receive three Golden Globe nominations and four SAG Award nominations in the same year. Foxx is only the second man in history to receive two best actor Academy Award® nominations in the same year, for "Ray" and "Collateral." He not only won the Oscar® for "Ray," but he swept the entire awards season. In addition to his screen success, he won a Grammy in 2010 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group ("Blame It") with T-Pain. Equally adept at comedy and drama, other notable films include "The Soloist," "Due Date," "Dreamgirls," "Miami Vice," and "Jarhead."
About Robert Downey, Jr.
Two-time Academy Award® nominated actor Robert Downey Jr. was the 2010 recipient of the "Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award." He is one of today's most respected actors and the star of a dizzying array of hit films, including the recent blockbusters "Iron Man," "Iron Man 2" and "Sherlock Holmes." A prominent figure in the entertainment world for more than three decades, Downey received an Academy Award nomination and won the BAFTA (British Academy Award) for Best Actor for his performance in the title role of "Chaplin" in 1992. In August of 2008, Downey starred with Ben Stiller and Jack Black in the comedy "Tropic Thunder," and went on to receive an Academy Award® nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Kirk Lazarus. Downey was honored by Time Magazine's "Time 100" in 2008, an annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
A Night with Jamie Foxx Ticket Information & Calendar Listing
The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago proudly presents "A Night with Jamie Foxx" in honor of the Academy Award™ winning actor JamieFoxx. The evening begins with a reception, followed by dinner and a raffle prize drawing. Then Foxx will have a discussion with Robert Downey, Jr., and the discussion will feature film clips from his career. The evening concludes with the presentation of the "Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award" to Foxx by SAIC President Walter Massey. Saturday, June 4 at 6 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton, 160 E. Pearson Street. Single tickets range in price from $400 to $1,000. Table sponsorships range in price from $5,000 to $50,000; call (312) 846-2072 for tickets, tables or more information.
About the Gene Siskel Film Center
For close to 40 years, The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has presented independent and international cinema, film festivals, cutting edge programs, premieres, retrospectives and classic films. Recognized internationally for its original film programming, the Film Center annually presents approximately 1,500 screenings and 100 guest artist appearances to more than 75,000 film enthusiasts at its unique, sophisticated, modern facilities at 164 N. State Street. For more information, please visit www.siskelfilmcenter.org .
The Gene Siskel Film Center is a public program of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
A nationally accredited leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs to nearly 3,200 students from across the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, SAIC's educational philosophy is built upon a multidisciplinary approach to art and design, giving students unparalleled opportunities to develop their creative and critical abilities, while working with renowned faculty who include many of the leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its new Modern Wing; numerous special collections and programming venues provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. For more information, please visit www.saic.edu .
The Gene Siskel Film Center and SAIC are part of The Art Institute of Chicago. For more information about the Art Institute please visit www.artic.edu
