Charlize Theron Gets Variety's Indie Award

By Jessica Flores

CREATED 7:11 PM

PALM SPRINGS-- Variety honored actress Charlize Theron and recognized ten up-and-coming directors at The Parker Hotel in Palm Springs on Sunday afternoon.

Theron received Variety's Indie Impact Award for her commitment to independent films.

"She could just do blockbusters and be quite happy I'm sure and quite successful, but she really isn't satisfied unless she's making something else," said Steven Gaydos, Executive Editor of Variety.

Theron has put her stamp on independent film such as Monster, for which she won an Oscar.

"It almost feels wrong to have had the opportunities that I've had this last year," said Theron as she accepted her award.

The event also honored promising directors with a "10 Directors to Watch" award.

"It's a huge honor, especially from Variety. Variety is like the Bible of the industry. I feel extremely honored," said Matt piedmont, director of Casa de Mi Padre.

The ten directors include: Zal Batmanglij, Valerie Donzelli, Gareth Evans, Philippe Falardeau, Mike "Mouse" McCoy and Scott Waugh, Gerardo Naranjo, Matt Piedmont, Michael Roskam, and Lynnn Shelton.

"It's just always nice to be recognized for your work. You don't want to be completely dependent on external validation but a little pat on the back every once a while isn't such a bad thing," said Lynn Shelton, director of "Your Sister's Sister"

Jessica Flores, KMIR6 News.