Outfest announced on Monday that Elliot Page will be honored at this year’s edition of the LGBTQ film festival with the Achievement Award.
“The Umbrella Academy” star came out as transgender on his social media platforms last November. Page, in a heartfelt message wrote, “I love that I am trans. And I love that I am queer. And the more I hold myself close and fully embrace who I am, the more I dream, the more my heart grows and the more I thrive.”
Page’s award will be presented by Kieran Medina, the lead programmer of the festival’s Trans and Nonbinary Summit, at Outfest’s closing night gala on Aug. 22 at the Orpheum Theatre.
“When determining the recipient of our highest honor we look for those that have been a powerful representative for our community, that have soared to the highest levels of recognition for their talent and who have stepped into the shoes themselves as an independent filmmaker and creator,” Outfest executive director Damien S. Navarro said in a statement. “There is no one more poised to receive this year’s Outfest Annual Achievement Award than Elliot. His courage, advocacy and personal journey have made him one of the most admired and respected public figures of his generation and his talent and voice are leading a new generation within the LGBTQIA+ and entertainment community.”
Along with his applauded acting chops, Page’s love for storytelling and passion for social justice has taken him behind the camera as a producer and documentary filmmaker. Championing LGBTQ and social justice rights, Page said it was important for everyone to use their voices. “It gives me great honor to be the recipient of this year’s Outfest Annual Achievement Award and represent the LGBTQ Plus community,” Page said. “Now more than ever, it is so important for our voices to be amplified and represented in film and media, and for people to hear our stories.”