The April 10 Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards will spotlight a Chicago-set and produced show by honoring actor Jesse Spencer, who plays Lt. Matthew Casey on NBC/Universal’s hit show, “Chicago Fire,” produced by Dick Wolf Films and heading into its third season.
Spencer will receive the Fest’s Artistic Achievement Award at the ceremonies at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, hosted by CBS/2’s Jay Levine and his wife, media consultant Mary Ann Childers.
“Performers like Spencer, who can develop a character over the course of many years, evolving and becoming increasingly complex as the series advances, possess a very special gift,” says Michael Kutza, festival founder and artistic director.
An Australian native, Spencer plays Casey, a strong, intuitive Lieutenant who leads the Truck Company and is unwavering in his commitment to the job. He made his debut on the Fox series “House,” as Dr. Robert Chase opposite Hugh Laurie.
His film credits include a starring role in “Uptown Girls” with Brittany Murphy, the biopic “Swimming Upstream” with Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis, and Spike Lee’s “Girl Is in Trouble.”
Other honorees: CBS’ “CSI” executive producer Carol Mendelsohn, who will receive the Commitment to Excellence Award for Television; the WTTW/11 Audience Choice Awards and the above- mentioned STORY for Television Commercials.
Among last year’s top winners, Gold and Silver Hugos were awarded to Icon Films, Yap Films, WDR, THIRTEEN, Leo Burnett, mcgarrybowen, Yessian Music, Burrell, and Cutters. The event has honored Kelsey Grammer, Bill Kurtis, Carol Marin, FRONTLINE, Ruth L Ratny, Leo Burnett and ESPN Films, among others.
