THE VAIL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2008 TRIBUTE AWARD RECIPIENTS

THE VAIL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2008 TRIBUTE AWARD RECIPIENTS

VAIL, Colo., March 19, 2008

As part of a new "green" initiative, and in celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the Vail Film Festival, the 2008 Festival will be introducing a new award, "The Vail Film Festival Blue Sky Tribute" for environmental activism, presented to an actor or filmmaker who has demonstrated a strong commitment to the environment. The 2008 Vail Film Festival Blue Sky Tribute will be presented to Adrian Grenier, star of the hit HBO series "Entourage." The Vail Film Festival chose Adrian Grenier as the first recipient of The Vail Film Festival Blue Sky Tribute due to his deep commitment to environmental activism, and for his advocation of small daily changes to create an impact in the world. In addition to being a crusader for the environment, Grenier drives a hybrid vehicle, and recently renovated his home in Brooklyn with wall insulation of recycled denim and a row of photovoltaic panels on the roof. Grenier made his feature debut in 1997's independent film Arresting Gina, and went on to act in Woody Allen's Celebrity, The Adventures of Sebastian Cole, Drive Me Crazy with Melissa Joan Hart, John Waters' Cecil B. Demented, and James Toback's Harvard Man opposite Sarah Michelle Gellar. He then acted in high-profile projects such as Steven Spielberg's A.I., Hart’s War opposite Bruce Willis and Colin Farrell, and Woody Allen's Anything Else. In 2005 Grenier played Anne Hathaway's love interest in The Devil Wears Prada, which also starred Meryl Streep. Grenier currently stars as Vincent Chase on the hit HBO series ENTOURAGE.

The 2008 Excellence in Acting Award will be given to actor Tim Daly. Daly has taken on the screen from every angle.  As an actor, he's morphed his leading man image from frightening cult leader David Koresh in In The Line of Duty: Ambush at Waco to legendary astronaut Jim Lovell in HBO's From the Earth to the Moon to struggling sports reporter in Paramount's Against the Ropes to the voice of iconic superhero Superman in the animated series and animated feature.  While acting remains his truest passion, Daly has been actively producing and directing in recent years.  The results of which have garnered him both a Peabody and a Humanitas award. Currently, he stars in the hit series Private Practice from the Golden Globe-winning creator of Grey’s Anatomy. Daly recently received an Emmy nomination in the "Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series" category for his memorable turn in The Sopranos. In addition, Daly recently starred in the critically acclaimed ABC/Warner Bros. Television series, The Nine.

This year, the Festival will honor Olivia Wilde with the 2008 Female Rising Star Award. Wilde has appeared in the films The Girl Next Door, Alpha Dog, Conversations with Other Women, and Turistas. She became known for her recurring role on THE O.C. as Alex Kelly, she has also appeared in the Dashboard Confessional music video for "Stolen", and the French Kicks music video for "So Far We Are". In 2005, Wilde was ranked #61 on Maxim magazine's Hot 100. She was also ranked #95 on the FHM 100 Sexiest Women of 2006. In 2007, Wilde was a part of the ensemble cast of the shortly lived NBC midseason drama The Black Donnellys. Wilde joined the cast of the FOX medical drama House in fall 2007 playing a young doctor nicknamed Thirteen who will work closely with Dr. House.

The 2008 festival will also honor Jesse Eisenberg with the 2008 Male Rising Star Award. Jesse Eisenberg has appeared in the films Roger Dodger, The Squid and The Whale, and most recently The Hunting Party opposite Richard Gere.  Upcoming films include The Education of Charlie Banks, The Living Wake, and Adventureland. On stage, Jesse recently completed a run of the play Scarcity at the Atlantic Theater Company and last year starred as Philip alongside Al Pacino in Lyle Kessler's Orphans.

The Vail Film Festival takes place April 3

Approximately 80 films from around the world will be screened during the four-day event. The 2008 festival will showcase feature films, shorts, documentaries, student films, action sports films, Oscar shorts, and two new categories, the Esurance Animated film showcase, and for the first-time ever, a Green Film showcase presented by MetaFoundry.

For complete film listings and screening times, celebrity guests, event schedule, FAQs and to order tickets please visit: