Actress Mary McDonnell to receive lifetime achievement award at 2018 Pell Awards Gala

PROVIDENCE – Actress Mary McDonnell will be awarded the 2018 Pell Award Lifetime Achievement in the Arts at the 22nd annual Trinity Repertory Company Pell Awards Gala in May, the theater announced Monday.

McDonnell is a two-time Oscar nominee for her roles in the 1990 film “Dances with Wolves” and the 1992 movie “Passion Fish.” Other film credits include “Independence Day” and “Donnie Darko.” She is also known for her roles in television series such as Syfy Network’s “Battlestar Galactica” and TNT’s “The Closer” and “Major Crimes.”

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“McDonnell’s extraordinary work exemplifies the artist as a socially responsible citizen. Her portrays of strong women, from Strands with a Fist to President Roslin to Sharon Raydor, have inspired and captivated millions,” said Trinity Rep Artistic Director Curt Columbus.

In addition to McDonnell, three local residents will be receiving awards during the Gala: Morris Nathanson, a designer and artist, will receive the Rhode Island Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts; Jane Nelson, a philanthropist and arts advocate, will receive the Charles Sullivan Award for Distinguished Service in the Arts; and Jeannine Chartier, executive and artistic director of VSA arts Rhode Island, will receive the Pell Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Arts.

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The Pell Awards Gala will be held May 21 at the WaterFire Arts Center. Tickets are $250 and $500 for VIP and can be purchased online at www.trinityrep.com/pell. Tables, sponsorship and event program ads are available. All proceeds from the gala will go toward Trinity Rep’s artistic programs.

Lauren Aratani is a PBN contributing writer.