Naomi Watts to Receive Zurich Film Festival's Golden Eye Award for 'The Housewife'

Naomi Watts, a two-time Academy Award nominee and a Hollywood luminary for over two decades, is set to be honored with the Golden Eye Award at the 22nd Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) this September. The esteemed award recognizes Watts for her exceptional career and, specifically, her compelling performance in Ben Shirinian's anticipated film, "The Housewife." This recognition underscores her enduring talent, further cementing her status among cinema's most fascinating actresses.

Why is Naomi Watts receiving this award?

Naomi Watts will accept the Golden Eye Award on September 26, primarily for her lead role in "The Housewife," a psychological historical drama. The Zurich Film Festival also acknowledges her extensive body of work, which spans from her breakthrough in David Lynch's 2001 film "Mulholland Drive" to acclaimed performances in "21 Grams" (2003) and "The Impossible" (2013), both earning her Oscar nominations for Best Actress. She also received an Emmy nomination for "Feud."

Christian Jungen, CEO of the Zurich Film Festival, lauded Watts, stating, "Since her breakthrough in David Lynch's Mulholland Drive, Naomi Watts has been one of the most fascinating actresses of our time. Her greatest performances thrive on the tension between glamour and darkness, between what a character reveals and what she conceals, making her the kind of character actress Hitchcock would have loved." Jungen specifically highlighted her role in the upcoming film, adding, "In The Housewife, she masters this ambiguity as an elegant and mysterious woman. At the same time, the film tells a true story that powerfully illustrates how indispensable investigative journalism is in uncovering historical crimes. Naomi Watts delivers one of the most compelling performances of her career, and we are proud to honour her with the Golden Eye Award."

What is "The Housewife" about?

"The Housewife" is a psychological historical drama, though some outlets also describe it as a thriller, directed by Ben Shirinian from a screenplay by Alyssa Hill. The film features Watts as the enigmatic wife of a suspected Nazi living in 1960s New York. The plot follows a young New York Times journalist, Joseph Lelyveld, played by Tye Sheridan, as he investigates Watts' husband, Russel (Luke Evans), who is believed to be a Nazi officer secretly residing in Queens. The cast also includes Michael Imperioli, Lena Olin, and Debi Mazar. Announced in February 2024, the film completed principal photography in Montreal, Canada, in May 2025, marking Shirinian's feature directorial debut.

What is the Zurich Film Festival?

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is an annual film festival held in Zurich, Switzerland. The 22nd edition of the festival runs from September 24 to October 4. The Golden Eye Award is one of its most prestigious honors, with previous recipients including Hollywood heavyweights like Jude Law, Kristen Stewart, Dakota Johnson, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Benedict Cumberbatch. Claire Foy received the award at the 21st edition.

Naomi Watts expressed her gratitude, saying, "It is such an honour to be presented with the Golden Eye Award from Zurich Film Festival. I cannot wait to be there, accepting this award among such great company, and I thank the film festival for honouring my role in this film."

What happens next for Naomi Watts and "The Housewife"?

Before arriving in Zurich, "The Housewife" will first have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 10. Watts will then travel to Zurich, Switzerland, to personally accept the Golden Eye Award on September 26. During her visit to the ZFF, she is also scheduled to present "The Housewife" to festival audiences and participate in a ZFF Masters session, offering insights into her illustrious career.