2007 Spirit of Independence Award
Clint Eastwood receives Spirit of Independence Award

Academy Award®-winning actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood will receive this year’s Spirit of Independence Award at the 2007 Los Angeles Film Festival. The Spirit of Independence Award will be given to Eastwood at a private event sponsored by Target on Thursday, June 28. Tony Bennett, who is the focus of a new documentary for which Clint Eastwood serves as executive producer, will present Eastwood with this honor. The Spirit of Independence Award event is an opportunity for Festiival filmmakers to hear Eastwood speak about his work, his creative process, and his influences.
The Spirit of Independence Award was created to recognize and honor an individual who has remained true to their work and vision; someone who has consistently made and continues to make artistic choices regardless of difficulty; someone who has dared to think differently; and someone who stays true to their independent spirit through their work in the independent and studio worlds.  Eastwood’s unusual and varied choices reinforce his commitment to groundbreaking and innovative independent films. He exemplifies a true independent spirit.
As part of this evening honoring Clint Eastwood, a work in progress highlight of Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends will be presented. The documentary about Bennett is a continuation of a body of documentary films developed and made under Eastwood’s direction and guidance that includes Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser, Eastwood After Hours: Live at Carnegie Hall, Clint Eastwood’s Piano Blues, and Budd Boetticher: A Man Can Do That.
The inaugural Spirit of Independence Award was presented to George Clooney in 2005, and Charlize Theron received last year’s honor. The Festival is proud to add Clint Eastwood to this list of immensely talented and deserving artists.