Alan Cumming: An American Cinematheque Retrospective

ABOUT THE SERIES:

The American Cinematheque is thrilled to welcome Scottish actor and queer icon, Alan Cumming, whose eclectic star persona has graced television, movie screens and Broadway stages since the early 1980s. His most recent project has him hosting the global cultural phenomenon and Emmy-nominated THE TRAITORS, the ultimate murder mystery game show.

His screen work ranges from art house to blockbuster, cult to mainstream, but his performances are always indelible and some immortal. Channeling his artistic roots in theatre, Cumming portrayed Saturninus in the Shakespeare adaptation of TITUS. From a dark and gory Shakespearean revenge tragedy, Cumming went on to lend his talent to the cult-classic rom-com ROMY AND MICHELE’S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, showcasing his immense range and ability to adapt his unique and quirky character to any story.

Shifting to working behind the camera, Cumming’s directorial debut (alongside co-director, co-writer, co-producer, and co-star Jennifer Jason Leigh) THE ANNIVERSARY PARTY displays his artistic versatility and establishes his singular voice in contemporary cinema. Cumming’s creative oeuvre is not only limited to the silver screen. He was also Emmy nominated for hosting the Tonys. He has been nominated for a total of five Emmys, won a New York Emmy, a Scottish BAFTA and a British Comedy Award. Additionally, he is an Independent Spirit award-winning producer and National Board of Review winning director, as well as a Grammy and multiple Golden Globe nominee. As homage to his countless achievements, his portrait was hung in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Cumming’s talents also extend to his published literature as a New York Times best selling author and humanitarian. Furthermore, he is a Grammy and multiple Golden Globe nominee. His portrait was hung in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. He has four honorary doctorates. Nevertheless, Mr. Cumming says ‘awards mean nothing!’