Cinequest bestoweed its highest honor, the Maverick Spirit Award, to powerhouse actor Elle Fanning.  In a special event at the California Theatre this Sunday, March 17th at 1:00pm, Cinequest will host a conversation with Ms. Fanning and award presentation along with a screening of her exciting new film Teen Spirit.   
    
Elle Fanning has been staring in hit films since the age of three. Now, at just 20-years-old, she’s already mastered her craft by delivering textured performances that have showcased her unique range from whimsical and comedic to pure grit. And in 2018, she took on the role of one of literature’s most intriguing and spirited women, Mary Shelley. Her chops and versatility have served her well over the years, particularly when playing opposite cinema greats like Jeff Bridges, Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett; and under directors such as Sofia Coppola and Sally Potter. She is an undeniable standout in her field.   
   
In addition to acting, she has also gracefully entered ballet arena and performed with The Nutcracker; and her role in Teen Spirit, screening at Cinequest, enabled her to fulfill her lifelong aspiration to star in a musical as well. Elle Fanning is a true patron of the arts, and observes, “You can create or imagine anything.”    
    
Previous Maverick Spirit Award recipients include Nicolas Cage, Harrison Ford, Rita Moreno, Rosario Dawson, J.J. Abrams, James Franco, William H. Macy, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Sir Ian McKellen, Alec Baldwin, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Neil Gaiman. Please view the Maverick Spirit Award Video to watch Cinequest honor these exceptional individuals.