We should really stop calling him a slacker.
Richard Linklater, the director has defined independent filmmaking for more than 30 years, is getting his props from the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF), which will honor him this year with a lifetime achievement award.
Linklater will receive the 2026 Golden Eye award for career achievement at this year’s ZFF (Sept. 24 – Oct. 4), Zurich announced Thursday. The Texan director will attend the festival and take part in a masterclass about his work. Zurich will also screen a retrospective of his films.
“Richard Linklater is one of the most visionary and formative directors of American independent cinema,” says Christian Jungen, CEO of the ZFF. “Through naturalistic dialogue and scenes that feel plucked straight from life, he holds up a mirror to our times and regularly brings out the very best in his actors. He is also the director of my absolute favourite film, Before Sunrise, thanks to which I met my wife. I am therefore especially delighted to welcome him to Zurich and to share with our audiences the films that have moved me for so many years.”
Richard Linklater says: “I am truly honored to receive the Career Achievement Award from the Zurich Film Festival. When Christian and I met at the Golden Globes, I mentioned I’ve always wanted to attend one day and now seemed like the right time. I’m delighted that this award is the occasion that brings me there, and I very much look forward to celebrating with the European audience that has meant so much to me throughout my career.”
