Zoe Saldaña (48) can look forward to the "Special Honorary Pardo": She will be honored with a special Leopard at the 79th Locarno Film Festival. The organizers announced this on Instagram. The actress will accept the award on Monday, August 10. According to "The Hollywood Reporter", the honor includes a public stage conversation where Saldaña will answer audience questions.
Multiple Honorary Leopards
Along with Saldaña, two other award recipients can look forward to an Honorary Leopard: Italian Claudio Simonetti (74), keyboardist of the progressive rock band Goblin, for his contributions to film music, as well as Swiss actor Jean-Luc Bideau (85).
The lifetime achievement award goes to Italian actress and film director Asia Argento. Additionally, there are honors for U.S. directors James Gray and Darren Aronofsky, Belgian actress Virginie Efira, and seven-time Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker. Producer Sigurjón "Joni" Sighvatsson, who was behind projects like "Twin Peaks", "Wild at Heart", and "Beverly Hills, 90210", as well as actress Isabella Rossellini, will also be honored.
Even beyond the awards, the Swiss festival boasts an impressive lineup. Among those expected at the premieres are Olivia Wilde ("The Invite"), Monica Bellucci ("Ketticè"), and Isabelle Huppert ("Ni vue, ni connue"). The Locarno Film Festival takes place from August 5 to 15.
Back on Screen as CIA Agent
Zoe Saldaña had her breakthrough in 2009 with roles in two mega-blockbusters: "Star Trek" and "Avatar - Aufbruch nach Pandora". She has also appeared in "Guardians of the Galaxy" and the "Avengers" films, among others. Since the start of "Avatar: Fire and Ash", she has been the highest-grossing actress of all time: Her films have earned more than $15.46 billion worldwide.
In 2025, she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the Netflix musical "Emilia Pérez". On August 2, the third season of the action series "Lioness" launches on Paramount+, in which Saldaña plays CIA agent Joe.
