The George Eastman Museum will honor actress Rita Moreno with the George Eastman Award for distinguished contribution to the art of cinema on Wednesday, October 29 at 8 p.m. in the Dryden Theatre.
In receiving the award, Moreno joins an elite group of film artists, including Fred Astaire, Lauren Bacall, Louise Brooks, Charlie Chaplin, Gary Cooper, Dolores Del Rio, Cecil B. DeMille, Michael Douglas, Jodie Foster, Greta Garbo, Lillian Gish, Audrey Hepburn, Michael Keaton, Ramon Navarro, Gregory Peck, Mary Pickford, Julia Roberts, Martin Scorsese, James Stewart, Meryl Streep, and Gloria Swanson.
For her breakthrough performance, Moreno received an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, portraying Anita in West Side Story (Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, 1961). In 1977, she became the third artist to have received competitive Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards (EGOT). Moreno received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, from President George W. Bush; the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama; the Screen Actors Lifetime Achievement Award; the Kennedy Center Honor for her lifetime contributions to American culture; and the Peabody Career Achievement Award.
Her acting credits span more than eight decades. Born in Puerto Rico, Moreno debuted on Broadway at age thirteen. She has starred on Broadway, London’s West End, and in numerous regional theaters, and appeared in more than 50 feature films. She made countless television show appearances, garnering six Primetime Emmy nominations, including two awards. Her solo autobiographical show, Life Without Makeup, was organized by the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. She continues to tour the country for speaking engagements.
The award ceremony and gala are open to the public. The ceremony will feature an appreciation of her career by Peter Bagrov, senior curator, Moving Image Department, a compilation of highlights of her work, and an on-stage conversation with Moreno—to be followed by the celebratory gala in the museum.
Members of the George Eastman Museum will have access to advance ticket sales, beginning on Wednesday, September 10 at 10 a.m. To become a member, visit eastman.org/membership or call 585-327-4833 for information. Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, September 17 at 10 a.m.
All tickets for the George Eastman Award benefit event include reserved seating for the award ceremony, admittance to the celebratory gala, and valet parking. Ticket prices range from $175 to $400 and are determined by seat location for the ceremony in the Dryden Theatre.
Visit eastman.org/eastmanaward2025 for more information and to purchase tickets.
Provided information and photo
