Hollywood, California – In a momentous recognition of a career spanning five decades and marked by unparalleled versatility, veteran actress Glenn Close is set to immortalize her presence in cinematic history by leaving her handprints and footprints in cement at the legendary TCL Chinese Theatre. The cherished Hollywood tradition will unfold on May 1, coinciding with the esteemed TCM Classic Film Festival, an annual pilgrimage for cinephiles and a cornerstone event for classic film preservation. This ceremony not only solidifies Close’s iconic status but also adds another layer to her formidable legacy, widely anticipated by many to one day include an Academy Award.
The ritualistic imprinting of hands and feet into the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre is far more than a mere photo opportunity; it is a tangible connection to the golden age of Hollywood and a profound testament to an artist’s enduring impact on film. Hundreds of fans are expected to gather, eager to witness Close join a pantheon of legends whose imprints narrate the rich tapestry of cinema history. The sentiment among many is a shared conviction that while an Oscar may still elude her, this honor is a powerful affirmation of her extraordinary talent and contributions. The timing, nestled within the reverent atmosphere of the TCM Classic Film Festival, underscores the deep respect the industry holds for Close’s craft and dedication.
A Career Defined by Depth and Transformation
Glenn Close’s journey to this hallowed ground is a testament to an acting career characterized by audacious choices, profound emotional depth, and an uncanny ability to transform into vastly disparate characters. Born in Greenwich, Connecticut, Close embarked on her professional acting career in 1974, initially making a name for herself on the stage, where she honed the meticulous craft that would later define her screen presence. Her transition to film was swift and impactful, earning her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in her film debut, "The World According to Garp" (1982). This immediate recognition signaled the arrival of a formidable talent, one capable of commanding attention even in her inaugural cinematic outing.
The early 1980s saw Close quickly establish herself as a force to be reckoned with. Her performance as Sarah Cooper in Lawrence Kasdan’s seminal ensemble drama "The Big Chill" (1983) solidified her emerging reputation. TCM Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz, in a poignant statement, recalled this pivotal moment: “Though her film debut came a year earlier in The World According to Garp (earning an Oscar nomination), I’ll never forget seeing her in The Big Chill, delivering a memorably layered performance that revealed the extraordinary talent, intelligence and emotional depth that have defined her career ever since.” This early role, though part of an ensemble, showcased her innate ability to convey complex emotional landscapes with subtle power. She continued this impressive streak with another supporting nomination for her role in "The Natural" (1984), proving her adaptability across genres and demonstrating a consistent level of excellence.
However, it was in the late 1980s that Glenn Close truly cemented her status as a cinematic icon, delivering two of her most unforgettable and, in many ways, career-defining performances. In Adrian Lyne’s psychological thriller "Fatal Attraction" (1987), Close portrayed Alex Forrest, a character whose terrifying intensity and unhinged obsession became a cultural phenomenon. Her portrayal earned her a Best Actress Oscar nomination and etched Alex Forrest into the annals of film as one of cinema’s most chilling antagonists. The film not only became a massive box office success but also sparked widespread discussions about female archetypes and societal anxieties, with Close at the very center of its profound impact.
The following year, Close delivered another tour de force performance as the manipulative and aristocratic Marquise de Merteuil in Stephen Frears’ "Dangerous Liaisons" (1988). Her exquisite portrayal of a woman wielding power and wit with lethal precision earned her yet another Best Actress nomination, her fifth overall. This role, rich in its theatricality and psychological depth, will be celebrated during the TCM Classic Film Festival with a special screening at the Chinese Theatre, where Close herself will be on hand. These two roles, back-to-back, showcased her incredible range – from the visceral madness of Alex Forrest to the calculating elegance of Merteuil – solidifying her reputation as an actress capable of immense transformation and gravitas.
A Decorated Artist Across All Mediums
While the Academy Award has famously eluded her despite a staggering eight nominations, Glenn Close’s trophy cabinet is far from empty, reflecting her prowess across stage, television, and film. With three Emmy Awards, three Tony Awards, and three Golden Globe Awards, she stands as one of the most decorated performers of her generation. Her stage career, in particular, has been marked by critical acclaim and a remarkable ability to command the theatrical space. Her Tony Awards include Best Actress in a Play for "The Real Thing" (1984) and "Death and the Maiden" (1992), and Best Actress in a Musical for her iconic portrayal of Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard" (1995), a role she reprised to great acclaim on Broadway decades later. These stage triumphs underscore the foundational strength of her acting technique and her commitment to live performance.
In recent decades, Close has continued to captivate audiences with powerful and nuanced performances, earning her further Oscar nominations for "Albert Nobbs" (2011), "The Wife" (2019), and "Hillbilly Elegy" (2020). Her performance in "The Wife," in particular, was lauded for its quiet intensity and profound exploration of a woman’s suppressed genius, resonating deeply with critics and audiences alike. Mankiewicz further emphasized this longevity, stating, “More than four decades later, she continues to captivate audiences – from her earliest roles to powerful later performances like the one in The Wife – and we are proud to honor her enduring legacy at this year’s festival.” At 79 years young, Close continues to defy expectations, taking on challenging roles that speak to the complexities of the human experience, demonstrating an enduring artistic vitality.
The TCL Chinese Theatre: A Shrine to Cinematic Immortality
The TCL Chinese Theatre, formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, is not merely a venue; it is a monument to Hollywood’s golden age and a living museum of its stars. Opened in 1927 by Sid Grauman, the theatre quickly became synonymous with grand premieres and cinematic spectacle. Its distinctive pagoda-style architecture, ornate interiors, and, most famously, its forecourt filled with celebrity handprints and footprints, have made it an enduring landmark. The tradition of imprinting hands and feet began serendipitously in 1927 when silent film star Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped into wet cement during the theatre’s construction. Grauman, ever the showman, seized upon the idea, inviting other stars to leave their marks, thus creating a unique and enduring tradition that has captivated the public for nearly a century.
Over the decades, the forecourt has become a tangible timeline of Hollywood’s evolution, featuring the impressions of legendary figures from Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks to Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Meryl Streep, and beyond. Each square of cement tells a story, a moment frozen in time, connecting generations of film lovers to the artists who have shaped the silver screen. For Glenn Close to join this illustrious company is an acknowledgment of her indelible contribution to the art form and her place among the true titans of cinema. The ceremony itself is steeped in tradition, typically involving a short program of speeches from industry figures, often including the honoree, followed by the highly anticipated moment when the star kneels to press their hands and feet into the wet cement, sometimes even signing their name and leaving a brief message. This public, intimate act creates a lasting bond between the artist and their audience, a permanent tribute accessible to all who visit the iconic theatre.
The TCM Classic Film Festival: A Celebration of Enduring Cinema
The handprint and footprint ceremony is a highlight of the 17th annual TCM Classic Film Festival, an event that serves as a vital celebration of classic cinema and its enduring cultural significance. Turner Classic Movies (TCM), the cable network dedicated to showcasing classic films uncut and commercial-free, launched the festival in 2010 with the mission of bringing the magic of classic films back to the big screen. Over the years, it has grown into a revered gathering for cinephiles, scholars, and industry professionals, offering a meticulously curated program of screenings, panel discussions, interviews with film legends, and special events.
This year’s festival, running from April 30 through May 3, embraces the theme "The World Comes to Hollywood," reflecting the global impact of cinema and the diverse array of stories and talents that have converged in the film capital. The festival opens with a screening of the beloved 1967 romantic comedy "Barefoot in the Park," a fitting choice that evokes the charm and enduring appeal of classic Hollywood. Beyond the ceremony for Glenn Close, the festival will also pay tribute to other notable figures. Actress Barbara Hershey and acclaimed songwriter and composer Paul Williams will receive individual tributes, celebrating their significant contributions to film. Additionally, Bruce Goldstein, a champion of film preservation and exhibition, will be honored with the Robert Osborne Award, named after TCM’s beloved original host, recognizing his tireless efforts to keep classic cinema alive and accessible.
The TCM Classic Film Festival’s commitment to showcasing the breadth and depth of cinematic history makes it an ideal platform to honor an artist like Glenn Close, whose career bridges eras and exemplifies the timeless power of great acting. Her presence at the festival, not only for the handprint ceremony but also for the screening of "Dangerous Liaisons," provides a unique opportunity for fans to connect with a living legend and to reflect on the impact of her work within the broader context of classic film.
Joining a Pantheon of Legends
Glenn Close’s induction into the TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt places her among an elite group of performers and filmmakers previously honored during the TCM Classic Film Festival. This marks the 13th such ceremony in the festival’s history, each year adding another distinguished name to the illustrious collection. She follows in the footsteps of luminaries such as Peter O’Toole (2011), who famously shared Close’s distinction of having eight Oscar nominations without a win, making her addition particularly poignant. Other honorees include Kim Novak (2012), Jane Fonda (2013), Jerry Lewis (2014), Christopher Plummer (2015), Francis Ford Coppola (2016), Carl and Rob Reiner (2017), Cicely Tyson (2018), Billy Crystal (2019), Lily Tomlin (2022), Jodie Foster (2024), and Michelle Pfeiffer (last year).
Each of these individuals represents a unique facet of cinematic excellence, from O’Toole’s theatrical grandeur to Fonda’s enduring activism and acting prowess, Lewis’s groundbreaking comedic genius, Coppola’s visionary direction, and Tyson’s pioneering contributions to diverse storytelling. Close’s inclusion in this esteemed list underscores her own unique impact – her capacity for intense character immersion, her remarkable range, and her unwavering dedication to her craft. It is a recognition that transcends the competitive nature of awards seasons, celebrating the enduring artistry and cultural footprint she has left on the world of entertainment.
A Lasting Legacy Etched in Time
Glenn Close’s handprint and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre is more than just an event; it is a powerful statement about her enduring legacy. It acknowledges not only her extraordinary performances but also her consistent excellence, her longevity, and her significant contributions to the narrative of cinema. While the question of an Academy Award may persist in the minds of many, this honor, rooted in the very fabric of Hollywood’s history, offers a different kind of immortality. It is a tangible, public tribute that will be visited by millions, serving as a permanent reminder of a talent that has enriched the lives of countless viewers.
Her career, marked by a fearless embrace of complex characters and a relentless pursuit of truth in performance, serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and a benchmark for her peers. The ceremony, set against the backdrop of the TCM Classic Film Festival, reinforces the idea that true cinematic artistry is timeless and deserves to be celebrated in the grandest traditions of Hollywood. As Glenn Close presses her hands and feet into the wet cement, she is not just leaving an impression; she is cementing her place in the heart of cinematic history, an icon whose powerful performances will resonate for generations to come.
