CHICAGO FESTIVAL Cinema Soirée 2026 Honorees!

We’re thrilled to announce our honorees at our Cinema Soirée 2026! 

The Artistic Achievement Award will be presented to Chicago-based author and screenwriter Gillian Flynn, whose acclaimed work has been brought to the screen by visionary directors including David Fincher (Gone Girl) and Steve McQueen (Widows). With a new project on the way alongside Darren Aronofsky, Gillian continues to shape contemporary cinema through her singular voice and storytelling.

We’re also excited to recognize actor Ben Foster with our Tour de Force Award. A familiar face at the Chicago International Film Festival, Ben has appeared in numerous Festival selections, including The Messenger, and continues to deliver some of the most compelling performances in film today.

Our Vanguard Award recipients, Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan, embody the spirit of independent filmmaking in Chicago. Committed to making films here and collaborating with Chicago actors and crews, they have long been champions of our community—from premiering Rounding at the Festival to generously sharing their knowledge through master classes at Industry Days and CineYouth. 

Cinema Soirée 2026 is the Chicago International Film Festival’s signature fundraiser, shining a spotlight on the power of cinema while raising vital funds to support our impactful year-round programs across Chicago. 

Join us for an unforgettable night of celebrating cinema in Chicago!    ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌     ͏ ‌ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­

DATE

Saturday, July 18, 2026

6:00pm

LOCATION

The Geraghty

2520 S. Hoyne Ave.

Chicago, IL 60608

DRESS CODE

Red carpet chic

🎟️ Raffle Tickets on sale now!

Looking for another way to support us?

Purchase a raffle ticket to be entered for a chance to win our Grand Raffle Prize, featuring tickets, gift certificates, and experiences from more than 50 generous partners! Prize package is valued at over $12,000!

Enjoy prizes from the following partners:

• Chicago Shakespeare Theater
• Music Box Theatre
• Goodman Theatre 
• RPM Seafood
• Steppenwolf Theatre Company
• The Salt Shed
• Lyric Opera of Chicago
• Chicago Cubs
• Tre Dita
• And more!

 Co-Chairs:

Steve & Amy Dolinsky

Jon & Allie Harris

Host Committee:

Charles Droege and Julie Wroblewski

Christopher Keogh

Brenda Robinson 

Penelope Steiner
Phil B. Clement
Catherine De Orio