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Selma's David Oyelowo to Be Honored at Palm Springs Film Festival

Actor to receive Breakthrough Performance Award.

Selma will continue its run as an awards season favorite at the Palm Springs Film Festival. The Ava DuVernay-directed film will open the prestigious fest, known to be an essential stop on the road to the Oscars, and David Oyelowo will be honored as this year's Breakthrough Performance Award recipient for his role as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“David Oyelowo’s transformation into Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is truly outstanding,” said Film Festival Chairman Harold Matzner.
Matzner added, “He perfectly recreates King’s mannerisms and speech cadence and, moreover, captures the spirit of one of the greatest leaders in history, giving audiences a rewarding portrait of this iconic man that is deeply layered and effecting.”
He concluded, “For this phenomenal portrayal it is an honor to present him with the 2015 Breakthrough Performance Award, Actor.”
The biopic will open the 26th annual festival, which will run from January 2-12. The film is also a front runner for Oscar consideration. The nominees for this year's Academy Awards will be announced on January 15.

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 (Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images)

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