The Raindance Film Festival has announced that Emmy, Olivier, and Golden Globe-winning actor Brian Cox will be honored with the prestigious Raindance Icon Award. Cox will receive the accolade at the festival's Opening Gala following the UK premiere of April X. Multiple Academy Award-nominated director Jim Sheridan, who collaborated with Cox on The Boxer, is set to present the award.
Best known internationally for his commanding performance as Logan Roy in HBO’s Succession, Cox boasts a prolific career spanning blockbusters, independent cinema, and the London stage. "Raindance has always been a powerful and pioneering influence in the creation of cinema over the last 30 years," Cox shared. "Its standard of work has set an extremely high bar for the cinematic world. So it is indeed a great honour to receive this wonderful award."
Also receiving the Raindance Icon Award is celebrated actress, writer, and comedian Miriam Margolyes. The BAFTA winner's extensive credits range from The Age of Innocence to the Harry Potter franchise, most recently starring in the Oscar-nominated short film A Friend of Dorothy.
"Can’t believe at 85, I’m winning awards and possibly even deserving them!!" Margolyes stated. "Everyone in our business knows it’s a team event and I’ve shamelessly used other peoples’ talents to get there... I’m thrilled and grateful and just wish Mummy and Daddy could know I made it in the end."
Cult film pioneer Lloyd Kaufman will round out the living recipients. As the co-founder of Troma Entertainment, the longest-running independent film studio in the world, Kaufman is celebrated for directing classics like The Toxic Avenger and decentralizing the film industry.
Additionally, a posthumous Icon Award will be presented to rock and roll legend Eddie Cochran, the subject of the festival's closing gala documentary. The award will be accepted by his family and permanently displayed at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio. Raindance founder Elliot Grove noted that the festival is deeply honored to celebrate these individuals who have left an indelible mark on global culture.
