Festivals - FCAD 2024: Daisy Ridley to Receive the Nouvel Hollywood Award

By Mulder, 14 august 2024

The 2024 edition of the Deauville American Film Festival promises to be a momentous occasion as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. This year, the festival continues its tradition of honoring emerging talents who are shaping the future of cinema, and the prestigious Nouvel Hollywood Award will be presented to none other than British actress Daisy Jazz Isobel Ridley.

Since its inception in 2011, the Nouvel Hollywood Award has recognized rising stars who have demonstrated exceptional talent and the potential to become the faces of tomorrow's cinema. Previous recipients include some of Hollywood's most acclaimed actors, such as Ryan Gosling, Jessica Chastain, and Ana de Armas. This year, Daisy Ridley joins this illustrious group, solidifying her status as one of the most promising talents in the film industry.

Daisy Ridley first gained international fame in 2015 when she was cast as Rey, the lead character in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, directed by J.J. Abrams. Her performance as Rey, a young scavenger with a mysterious past who becomes a central figure in the battle between the Resistance and the First Order, quickly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Ridley's portrayal of the strong, independent, and determined heroine resonated with viewers, and she became an instant icon in the Star Wars universe. Her journey in the Star Wars saga continued with The Last Jedi in 2017 and The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, where she further developed Rey's character, adding layers of complexity and emotion. These films not only solidified Daisy Ridley as a household name but also showcased her ability to carry major blockbuster productions on her shoulders.

Beyond her work in the Star Wars franchise, Daisy Ridley has consistently sought out diverse and challenging roles that demonstrate her range as an actress. In 2017, she starred in Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, playing the role of Mary Debenham. Her performance in this star-studded ensemble cast was praised for its poise and subtlety. In 2018, Daisy Ridley took on the titular role in Ophelia, a reimagining of Shakespeare's Hamlet from the perspective of the tragic heroine. This performance allowed her to delve into a more nuanced and emotional role, further proving her versatility as an actress. Additionally, she lent her voice to the character of Cottontail in the animated feature Peter Rabbit, adding voice acting to her growing repertoire.

Daisy Ridley has also been involved in smaller, independent projects, where she has been able to explore more intimate and character-driven narratives. In 2023, she starred in Sometimes I Think About Dying, an independent drama where she served as both lead actress and producer. This project marked a significant step in her career as she took on a more hands-on role in the filmmaking process. Her recent work includes the psychological thriller The Marsh King's Daughter, where she delivered a gripping performance as a woman confronting her dark past. The film, shot in Ontario, Canada, showcased Ridley's ability to tackle complex, intense roles in a genre that demands both physical and emotional depth.

Looking ahead, Daisy Ridley continues to expand her horizons in the film industry. She is set to star in and co-produce the contemporary noir thriller Magpie, based on an original story idea by Ridley herself. This project, described as a "Hitchcockian thriller," is highly anticipated and highlights Ridley's growing influence as a creative force both in front of and behind the camera.

The decision to award Daisy Ridley the Nouvel Hollywood Award is a testament to her remarkable journey in the entertainment industry. From her breakthrough role in one of the most beloved film franchises in history to her continued exploration of diverse and challenging roles, Daisy Ridley has consistently demonstrated her dedication to her craft and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of her abilities.

The Deauville American Film Festival has long been a platform for recognizing and celebrating the talents that will shape the future of cinema. By honoring Daisy Ridley with the Nouvel Hollywood Award, the festival acknowledges her significant contributions to the film industry and her potential to continue making an impact in the years to come. As the festival prepares to welcome Daisy Ridley to Deauville, anticipation is building among fans and industry professionals alike. Her presence at the event will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of this year's festival, and the award ceremony will serve as a fitting tribute to a career that is already marked by incredible achievements and promises even greater things to come.

Selective Filmography :
2013 - Blue Season
2013 - 100% BEEF
2013 - Crossed Wires
2014 - Under
2015 - Scrawl
2015 - Star Wars: The Force Awakens
2017 - Murder on the Orient Express
2017 - Star Wars: The Last Jedi
2018 - Ophelia
2018 - Peter Rabbit
2019 - Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
2021 - Chaos Walking
2023 - Sometimes I Think About Dying
2023 - The Inventor
2023 - The Marsh King's Daughter
2024 – Magpie