(March 11, 2008) Every year The Philadelphia Film Society takes the opportunity to award actors and filmmakers who have made extraordinary contributions to the world of cinema. This year celebrates the achievements of three individuals who continue to leave an indelible mark on the film industry.

2008 ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: JOHN LEGUIZAMO

Actor, comedian, director, author. John Leguizamo’s range, ambition and passion knows no bounds. His resume boasts a breadth of roles, from popular Hollywood star (Carlito’s Way, Too Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, Ice Age, Moulin Rouge, Spawn), daring independent (The Groomsmen, Spin, Love in the Time of Cholera, 2005 PFF hit Cronicas) and tv star (‘ER’, ‘The Killing Point’), to stage legend (‘Sexaholix’, ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’, ‘Parting Guestures’); author (‘Pimps, Hos, Playa Hatas and All the Rest of My Hollywood Friends’) and director (Undefeated). Leguizamo is also a pillar of the Latino community and celebrated 3-time ALMA award winner. Leguizamo is one of the most versatile and multifaceted men in Hollywood, whose contributions to the industry are unparalleled.

John Leguizamo will receive the 2008 Artistic Achievement Award on Thursday, April 10, 7pm at the Prince Music Theater. The screening of his film The Take will follow.

2008 RISING STAR AWARD: SHANE WEST

Making his way from small Los Angeles stage productions to major motion pictures in less than 2 years, actor and newly christened punk rocker Shane West has spent the past decade making audiences swoon, squeal, weep and even mosh. Since his big break as the hunky teenage son of a divorce on the critically acclaimed ABC series “Once and Again”, television studios and major movie producers have made use of his chameleon-like character-actor chops in such productions as Whatever It Takes, A Walk to Remember, The League of Extraordinary Men, and the Emmy-award winning series “E.R.” With his film and festival entry What We Do Is Secret, West plays the role of The Germs front-man, the late Darby Crash. So fully absorbed in the role, West toured with the original Germs lineup and won over even the most skeptical fans with a fearlessness honed over a decade as a singer. West leaves us delighted with his accomplishments and excited for what’s to come.

Shane West will receive the 2008 Rising Star Award on Saturday, April 12, 7pm at the Prince Music Theater. The screening of his film What We Do Is Secret will follow.

2008 PHANTASMAGORIA AWARD: FRANK HENENLOTTER

Growing up a native New Yorker, Frank Henenlotter found inspiration in the exploitation and sexploitation films of the ‘60s and ‘70s. His love for the gory, offensive and seedy is a staple in his film successes including Brain Damage, Frankenhooker, The Sex Killers, and The Curioius Dr. Hump. It is, however, the film Basket Case for which Henenlotter is most noted. The ambitious filmmaker took on writing, producing and directing duties to give birth to the 1981 film, and it became a huge cult hit, proving to Henenlotter that audiences were primed to join in on the fun. After a 14 year hiatus, Henenlotter is back in 2008 with the world premiere of his latest film, Bad Biology, which is filled with plenty of nudity, unbelievable special effects and his usual band of oddly charming outsiders. Henenlotter is a man driven by an independent spirit. He brings film fans original stories with laughs, a gory creature or two and the rebellious, and a mischievous spirit that the world has come to love.

Frank Henenlotter will receive the 2008 Phantasmagoria Award on Friday, April 4, 9:30pm at The Prince Music Theater. The world premiere of his film Bad Biology will follow.

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Since 2001, the Philadelphia Film Society remains dedicated to the presentation of film in the Greater Philadelphia area as presenters of the Philadelphia Film Festival and the Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. The Society recognizes the powerful medium of film as artistic expression, a unique force for cultural diversity and international understanding; providing film screenings and events throughout the year. Please visit www.phillyfests.com for additional information.