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January 3rd, 2005 - Las Vegas

A sweeping, yet intimate portrait of a 20th century legend soars over the competition as “The Aviator” takes top honors in the Las Vegas Film Critics Society’s™ 8th Annual ‘Sierra Awards.’

(January 3rd, 2005 - Las Vegas) Landmark filmmaker Martin Scorsesse’s epic story of one man’s literal obsession with ascending to new and greater heights flies away with seven LVFCS Sierra Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Jamie Foxx’ mesmerizing performance as music legend Ray Charles in the biopic “Ray” garnered him an award for Best Actor. British-born Kate Winslet has been named Best Actress for her brilliant, but distinctive performances in both “Finding Neverland” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Also, in recognition of her extraordinary talent, longevity and influence on generations of movie lovers, the members of the LVFCS name Julie Andrews as the recipient of this year’s William Holden Lifetime Achievement Award.

William Holden Lifetime Achievement Award

The William Holden Lifetime Achievement Award is named for the brilliant Academy Award(R)-winning actor. After appearing in several films and serving in the Armed Forces during World War II, Holden finally became a 'star'. It was 1950 and the movie was "Sunset Boulevard." The film won Holden an Academy Award Nomination for Best Actor. Although he did not win the Oscar(R) for that performance, Holden did receive the coveted trophy for his role in the 1953 film "Stalag 17." William Holden does have a Las Vegas connection. Holden married Brenda Marshall in 1941 inside a Congregationalist Church in Las Vegas.

The LVFCS is proud to bestow upon Julie Andrews this award bearing Mr. Holden’s name. We would like to thank the estate of William Holden (1918-1981) for their generosity in allowing the LVFCS to honor his contribution to motion pictures in this modest way.

Julie Andrews was born Julia Elizabeth Wells in October of 1935. At the age of twelve, Julie became a popular child performer on the British stage, but it wasn’t until she arrived on Broadway in 1954’sThe Boy Friend that she achieved fame in America. A year later, she originated the role of Cockney ‘guttersnipe’ Eliza Doolittle in the stage production of “My Fair Lady.”

In 1962, Walt Disney brought her to Hollywood where she made her film debut in “Mary Poppins,” winning a Best Actress Oscar for her performance. The following year, Julie gave perhaps her most widely known performance in “The Sound of Music.”

Highlights of Julie’s career also features several she made with her husband, writer/director Blake Edwards, including “Victor/Victoria,” for which Julie was again nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award. In 2000, Julie was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth. Julie Andrews has recently returned to the spotlight, appearing in the recent film “The Princess Diaries” and it’s sequel.

The Las Vegas Film Critics Society, founded in 1997, is currently comprised of 19 members of the journalistic community in the Las Vegas, NV and Reno, NV areas. The members represent various radio, television, print and online outlets.

For further information on the LVFCS and its programs, please direct all questions and comments to: The Las Vegas Film Critics Society: c/o Jeffrey K. Howard: 3430 S. Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89102. (702) 220-5073, Fax (702) 362-9561