The Atlanta Film Festival has added a special presentation of the David O. Russell film “The Fighter” to its 2025 lineup, and will also present the festival’s Originator Award to Russell.
The event will take place on May 4 and is in celebration of the 15th anniversary of “The Fighter,” which won two Academy Awards for actors Christian Bale and Melissa Leo. Russell will be present at the screening to accept the Originator Award. According to a press release, the award “honors filmmakers known for creating new ways of seeing and experiencing art.”
In the release, Atlanta Film Festival Executive Director Chris Escobar called “The Fighter” “a powerful example of character-driven storytelling.”
“David O. Russell’s career is defined by bold choices, unforgettable characters, and a relentless pursuit of new ways to experience art,” Escobar said in the release. “He is a true Originator.”
In addition to his work in film, over the years Russell has been the subject of numerous allegations, including multiple where he has allegedly displayed verbally and physically abusive behavior on set. Russell has denied some of these allegations, while others – such as a video from the set of “I Heart Huckabees” where he curses at actress Lily Tomlin while throwing and kicking props – he has said he regrets. In that particular case, Tomlin said in 2015 that the situation “wasn’t any big deal.”
In 2012, Russell’s then 19-year-old niece Nicole Peloquin filed a police report alleging that Russell had sexually assaulted her while at the gym. According to the report, Peloquin alleged that Russell reached under her shirt and felt her breasts. Peloquin, a transgender woman, was on hormone treatment at the time. In the report, Russell admitted to touching Peloquin’s breasts, stating that he was curious about how the hormones affected them. He stated that he asked her if she was uncomfortable multiple times, and also reportedly told police Peloquin was “causing drama” and had become “provocative” and “seductive” since her transition. Later, he denied any wrongdoing in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.
TMZ later reported that the Broward County Sheriff’s Office closed the case because it was an “allegation of simple battery that was not witnessed by law enforcement.” Russell did not face criminal charges.
A Vulture timeline of all of the allegations against Russell can be found here.
A representative for the Atlanta Film Festival did not respond to requests for further clarification about why Russell was chosen for this honor.
“The Fighter” tells the story of boxer Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg) and his half-brother Dicky Edklund (Christian Bale). In addition to “The Fighter,” Russell is the director behind “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” and more. He has been nominated for five Academy Awards and is the winner of four Independent Spirit Awards and two BAFTA Awards. He has also been nominated for two Directors Guild of America Awards and three Writers Guild of America Awards.
Russell’s new film “Madden,” which stars Nicolas Cage as NFL coaching legend John Madden, is set to film in Atlanta.
