Oscar-nominee Virginia Madsen, who is among the illustrious honorees of the 11th annual Broken Glass Awards, expounds upon her creative path and the galvanizing force of women.

“I think it’s always good when groups of women get together. It’s more important now, more than ever, to support one another and our endeavors and call attention to those who are working hard to make changes.”

It’s time to shatter some glass. But as the Palm Springs Women in Film & TV (PSWIFT) 11th annual Broken Glass Awards Luncheon unfolds on Nov. 4 at Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa, there will be more than honors doled out to the female trailblazers, like actress Virginia Madsen, who have paved the way for others in entertainment, arts, and philanthropy.

Expect a bevy of commentary on the creative strides that have already been made and what the road ahead may actually look like for women on the rise. This year’s honorees include Virginia Madsen (The Gena Award), Sierra McCormick (The Rising Star Award), Melissa Neiderman (The Humanitarian Award), Dolores Robinson (The Broken Glass Award), and Liliana Rodriguez (The Desert Diva Award).

Virginia Madsen, the recipient of this year’s Gena Award, has worked vigilantly in the industry since 1983, and is known for her headturning roles in Sideways for which she nabbed a 2004 Oscar nomination. TV’s Law & Order, Elementary, American Gothic, and Designated Survivor. The actress, who was in attendance for the Palm Springs International Film Festival during the fiery success of Sideways, shares more about the award, the creative glass that still needs breaking, and much more.

This award brings you back to Palm Springs.

I’m from Chicago and I never thought I would enjoy the desert. But I find that the desert feeds me much in the way the ocean feeds you. There’s something that is so ancient in those rocks and mountains. And it’s so close to where I live [in L.A.]. I would always find peace and serenity in Palm Springs. And that was a surprise to me. I don’t know what those rocks are made of out there, but there’s something in there that’s good for the soul. Continue Reading  

The Flashback Weekend Horror Con is returning to Chicago this coming Aug. 2-4, 2019, at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont, IL. The annual convention is presenting a huge line-up with major celebrity guests and several reunions with Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger) toplining a “Ladies of Elm Street” reunion that includes Heather Langenkamp, Lisa Wilcox, Lisa Zane and more!

There will also be a Candyman reunion with Tony Todd and Virginia Madsen, where Todd will appear in costume with prosthetics created by FX legend Robert Kurtzman.

There are also special events, parties, screenings, and much more. Party at the Murray Bros. Caddyshack. Visit www.flashbackweekend.com for full details.

Join me in Cincinnati for this inspiring film festival Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival check out their site and schedule for more info! I’ll be attending and participating in a panel discussion on September 26th!!

The Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival, a four-day celebration of diversity, disability and difference, debuts September 26-30 with more than 65 juried films celebrating the shared human experience.  Centrally located in downtown Cincinnati in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the festival features five film tracks showcasing stories around diversity, freedom, identity, disability and faith; along with celebrity appearances, panel discussions and special events.

Some 20 Hollywood celebrities, including Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee, Virginia Madsen, Zach Anner of ABC’s “Speechless,” Merle Dandridge star of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Greenleaf,” Drew Lachey, Member of “98 Degrees” band, and Tanika Ray, Co-Host of “EXTRA,” will participate.

More information on tickets, films and events is available at OTRFilmFest.org or by calling (513) 487-3939. Follow the festival on Twitter @OTRFilmFest and Instagram @OTRFilmFest and on Facebook at facebook.com/OTRFilmFest. You can buy your tickets here: https://otrfilmfest.org/tickets/