Anjelica Huston and James Caan Are Big Winners at CineVegas

I'm excited to return to the glittering Nevada desert for the 11th annual CineVegas Film Festival, which kicks off June 12 with Rainn Wilson's The Rocker. One of the ways that the up-and-coming fest has sought to distinguish itself is to bring in as much star power as it can, thus providing some of the glitz and glamor that people expect from Sin City. And what better way to get celebrities to show up than to give them awards?

This year's top honor, the Marquee Award, will go to Anjelica Huston, the festival has announced, "for her accomplishments in the film industry throughout her esteemed career." By some stunning coincidence, Huston also has a film playing at the festival, the Chuck Palahniuk adaptation Choke.

Meanwhile, the Vegas Icon Award -- "presented to an actor who embodies the spirit of Las Vegas and who has delivered memorable performances in films and shows set in the city" -- will go to James Caan, who certainly fits the bill. I mean, he was on a TV show CALLED Las Vegas, for crying out loud. And remember Honeymoon in Vegas, with Nicolas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker? His connection to the Godfather films cements his Vegas Icon status (the Mafia = Las Vegas) ... and he's a pretty terrific actor besides. It'll be cool to see him at the fest.

Finally, CineVegas gives out "Half-Life Awards" to actors still in their prime who have already given terrific performances. Hard to argue with any of the four choices this year: Sam Rockwell, Rosario Dawson, Viggo Mortensen, and Don Cheadle. Rockwell is in the fest with Choke, and Dawson is in Explicit Ills. Cheadle's Vegas association comes through the Ocean's films, of course. And Mortensen? Well, he's just really awesome.

Cinematical will be providing extensive coverage of this year's CineVegas for the first time. Check back later in the month for more.