Charlize Theron honoured at Palm Springs Film Festival

Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron last night received the Variety Indie Impact Award from the Palm Springs Film Festival.

The 36-year-old who won the Oscar for best actress for her portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in 2003 movie Monster was honoured for her work on independent films at the star-filled ceremony at the The Parker Hotel in California.

The South African beauty, who follows in the footsteps of previous winners Mark Wahlberg and Philip Seymour Hoffman, was delighted to pick up the award, saying: I know that the Indie world had an impact on me, so I can talk about that.

My career would have been very different. I feel 100 per cent that I have the career I have today because of independent filmmaking.

Ten years ago it was so split, 15 years ago it was so split. Everyone knew when you did your dirty independent film and your sexy studio film. That has changed today, and Im so proud to be a part of that.

Theron who has also starred in movies such as The Cider House Rules and Mighty Joe Young became somewhat emotional while making her acceptance speech, gushing through the tears that she never feels worthy of these things, so thank you to Variety, thank you.

The awards ceremony also presented industry leader Varietys top 10 directors to look out for this year, with the weekly entertainment-trade magazines executive editor Steven Gaydos saying: When Variety picks their 10 directors to watch when they look around the world for new directing talents, we dont just focus in Hollywood or America we really open it up to the entire world.