Emma Thompson set to receive Leopard Club Award

Emma Thompson, the only person in Academy Awards in history to win Oscar for both acting and screenwriting, will be celebrated at the Locarno Film Festival.

During the premiere of her latest film The Dead of Winter, of whom she is the executive producer, the Love Actually star will be honoured by Swiss fest which is Europe’s preeminent event dedicated to indie cinema, with its Leopard Club Award.

"Academy, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Emmy Award-winning Emma Thompson is one of the U.K.’s most recognizable and beloved actors, with a career in acting, writing, and producing that spans both television and film – from independent features to major blockbusters," said the Locarno festival organiser.

They added, "She is the only person in the history of the Academy Awards to have won for both acting and screenwriting. Thompson’s willingness to take risks with her roles has meant that she has remained a vital force on stage and screen for four decades, a testament to the depth of affection multiple generations of fans hold for her."

In addition to being the executive producer, the 66-years-old artist also plays the role widowed fisherwoman trapped in a Minnesotan blizzard who interrupts the kidnapping of a teenager, in the upcoming film.

Written by Nicholas Jacobson-Larson and Dalton Leeb, the film also stars Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca, Lloyd Hutchinson, Brían F. O’Byrne and Thompson’s daughter Gaia Wise.

The Dead of Winter will be premiered on August 8, on the same day when Thompson will receive her award.