Josh Margolin’s action comedy Thelma will open the 50th Seattle International Film Festival, with lead star June Squibb to receive the 2024 Golden Space Needle Award for Outstanding Contribution to Cinema. The Festival’s Opening Night Film & Party will take place Thursday, May 9 at The Paramount Theatre.

Thelma, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, follows 93-year-old Thelma Post (June Squibb) as she sets out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her after being duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson. Thelma is an action comedy exploring aging, family, and autonomy based on a real-life experience of writer and director Josh Margolin’s grandmother and marks 94-year-old Squibb’s first leading film role.

“SIFF is ecstatic to celebrate June Squibb’s work by presenting her with the 2024 Seattle International Film Festival’s Golden Space Needle Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema” says Beth Barrett, SIFF’s Artistic Director, “Over her decades-long career, Squibb has cultivated exceptional skill in her craft. Her magnetism and charisma shines through her many memorable roles and her work in Thelma is no exception.”

Writer and director Josh Margolin will also be in attendance and participate in a Q&A after the screening along with Thelma producers Zoë Worth and Chris Kaye, and Tribute recipient June Squibb. F

A Tribute event honoring June Squibb including a conversation moderated by Variety’s Jenelle Riley and questions from the audience will be held on Saturday, May 11.

The 50th Seattle International Film Festival returns in person May 9–19, 2024, followed by a week of select films streaming on the SIFF Channel May 20–27.