The cast of Sideways have gathered together in honour of the 20th anniversary of their iconic movie about wine tasting. Virginia Madsen, Paul Giamatti, Sandra Oh and Thomas Haden Church attended a special screening of their 2004 film in Westwood, California on the weekend.

The four starred in the film about two friends who embark on a bachelor’s trip to Santa Ynez Valley for a wine-tasting tour and cross paths with two local women. Directed by Alexander Payne, the movie was based on the book by Rex Pickett and went on to win the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor for Church and Best Supporting Actress for Madsen.

Monday, November 4 marks the 11th annual Palm Springs Broken Glass Awards. This event honors women in TV and film. The 2019 notable honorees are actress Sierra McCormick who received the Rising Star Award, local artistic director for the Palm Springs International Film Festival and ShortFest, Lilli Rodriguez received the Desert Diva Award, Philanthropist, Melissa Neiderman received the Humanitarian Award, actress Virginia Madsen received the Gena Award and talent manager Dolores Robinson received the Broken Glass Award.

The awards honor extraordinary women who have broken through the glass ceiling, helping pave the way for others in entertainment, arts and philanthropy. The luncheon and fundraiser was emceed by News Channel 3 Anchor Karen Devine. The event was at Agua Caliente Casino Resort & spa in Rancho Mirage.

Actress, Virginia Madsen told us about her own journey to breaking through the glass ceiling for women in film. “Breaking the glass ceiling didn’t happen to me until I was 50,” Madsen said. “It’s important to help the younger people that are coming up and give them a hand and tell them yes you can,” she said.

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