Outfest 2014 Opening Night Gala

Check out photos from yesterday’s Outfest’s 2014 Opening Night Gala at Orpheum Theatre, where the hilarious and poignant film LIFE PARTNERS premiered! Last night James Schamus accepted the 2014 Outfest Achievement Award, the organization’s highest honor. Schamus joins past award winners including World of Wonder’s Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, Kimberly Peirce, John Waters, Jane Lynch, Bill Condon, Don Roos, Donna Deitch, Kenneth Anger, Gregg Araki, Todd Haynes, Jane Anderson, Christine Vachon, Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, Gus Van Sant, Ian McKellen, John Schlesinger, and Strand Releasing. The reel honoring Schamus’ career showed a diverse body of films that are hallmarks of LGBT progress in mainstream media, such as Brokeback Mountain and Milk. Outfest Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer had these words to say:

“The scope and the depth of James’s work as a writer, producer and studio head, has had a tremendous impact on the LGBT community. He has shepherded stories and storytellers who have defined the LGBT experience for three decades — from the new queer cinema films of Tom Kalin and Todd Haynes to the boundary-pushing Pariah and from the historical insight of Milk to, of course, the iconic Brokeback Mountain.”

Keeping things light, the first thing out of James’ mouth on stage after his tribute was: “wow, that reel was really gay.” He remarked on the unimaginable progress of LGBT rights, and how in today’s media, characters are not solely defined by their sexuality as they have been in the past. James added that while looking back at the decades of progress is important, it is equally if not more important to keep an eye on the future.

Be sure to watch the trailer for all Outfest films in the video below (running through July 20th) and check out more photos of the fun night from Advocate.com.