Outfest Honorees Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone to Skip LGBTQ Film Fest Due to SAG-AFTRA Strike
Marc Malkin Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle Editor Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone will not be attending the closing night of this year’s Outfest LA, where they were set to receive the James Schamus Ally Award.
The couple was expected to be on hand for the July 23 event at The Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood, but their rep tells Variety that will not make an appearance due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. “We understand that Melissa and Ben are unable to join us for our closing night due to the strike,” Outfest executive director Damien S.
Navarro said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “We will miss them, as our closing night will be a wonderful celebration of our community.” Outfest kicked off July 13 at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
Amandla Stenberg, who received the Platinum Maverick Award from the LGBTQ film festival, skipped the festivities in support of the actors walkout.
