Reese Witherspoon to receive American Cinematheque award

Witherspoon, 39, was most recently Oscar-nominated for lead actress in 201’s “Wild”, which was produced by her Pacific Standard production company.

“Reese Witherspoon’s career is a perfect example of an actress flourishing in today’s world. She achieved commercial success early in comedies like ‘Election’, ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and then added major critical success to her resume with movies such as Walk the Line for which she received the Academy award for best actress,” said Rick Nicita, American Cinematheque chairman.

“She has refused to be limited to only certain types of roles and has continued to impress with her varied choices, ranging from smaller roles in dramas such as Mud to a tour-de-force, Oscar-nominated performance last year in Wild. She is an active and successful movie producer who is moving her career forward both behind and in front of the camera. The most appropriate role for Reese Witherspoon today is <g data-gr-id="24"><g data-gr-id="25">role</g></g> model.” 

The annual gala is a major fundraiser for the American Cinematheque and honours actors in mid-career who are making significant contributions to the film biz. Matthew McConaughey was last year s honoree, reported Variety. Witherspoon’s Pacific Standard also produced last year’s Gone Girl.

She has also been active in charities including the Children’s Defense Fund, on whose board she serves, the Rape Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center.