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Rita Moreno, among a small group of performers who have earned an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, will soon receive yet another award when she receives the George Eastman Award recognizing outstanding achievements in film arts at 8 p.m. on October 29 in the Dryden Theatre located at the George Eastman Museum, situated at 900 East Avenue.
For more than eighty years, the actress has developed an extensive collection of performances. She was born in Puerto Rico and began her career on Broadway when she was just thirteen.
She became well-known for portraying Zelda Zanders, known as the "Zip Girl," in the iconic 1952 film "Singin' in the Rain." In 1961, she took on the role of Anita in the stage production "West Side Story." Her portrayal earned her an Academy Award, making her the first Latina to receive this honor.
She frequently appeared on the PBS show "Sesame Street," and throughout the 1970s, she was part of "The Electric Company" television series, notably shouting, "HEY YOU GUYS!" in the theme song.
In the 1970s, she frequently appeared in "The Rockford Files," earning her an Emmy award. From 1997 until 2003, she received praise for playing prison advisor Sister Peter Marie Reimondo in HBO's "Oz."
In 1975, Moreno received the Tony Award for her role in "The Ritz."
A film exploring her life and professional journey, titled "Rita Moreno: A Girl Who Just Decided to Go for It," was released on Netflix in 2021.
In 2023, she appeared alongside Jane Fonda, Sally Field, and Lily Tomlin in the athletic comedy "80 for Brady," which follows a band of older friends who have spent their lives striving to attend the Super Bowl and reunite with Tom Brady.
Upon being awarded the Eastman Prize, Moreno becomes part of an esteemed group including Fred Astaire, Lauren Bacall, Louise Brooks, Charlie Chaplin, Meryl Streep, Michael Douglas, Michael Keaton, and Jodie Foster.
The event and dinner are accessible to everyone.
Ticket prices ($175, $250, and $400) will be accessible to subscribers beginning at 10 a.m. on September 10th through eastman.org.eastmanaward2025 and for non-members starting at 10 a.m. on September 17.
Ticket packages feature assigned seats at the awards event, entry to the evening celebration, and complimentary vehicle servicing. The cost varies depending on where you're seated during the ceremony in the Dryden Theatre.
The event will include recognition of Moreno's professional journey, a showcase of key moments from her achievements, and a live discussion with Moreno, which will then lead into the gala at the museum.
(This tale was revised to include two omitted words.)
Journalist Marcia Greenwood reports on various topics and has a focus on retail-related stories. Submit article ideas to [email protected]. Connect with her on X. @MarciaGreenwood .
This piece was first published in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Renowned figure from Hollywood and stage to receive George Eastman Award in Rochester