The press release, in part:

The Cinema Vanguard Award was created in recognition of an actor who has forged his/her own path – taking artistic risks and making a significant and unique contribution to film. Formerly known as The Independent Award, it was bestowed last year to Ryan Gosling. This year’s well-deserving recipient is Kristin Scott Thomas, and she will be feted on Tuesday, January 27, 2008.

Comments [SBIFF Executive Director Roger] Durling, “A masterful performance by a British actress in a French film and a triumphant Broadway debut in Chekhov in the same year – Kristin Scott Thomas is in a league by herself and an artistic force to be reckoned with.”