Jamie Foxx returned to Chicago — home of his comedic roots — over the weekend, this time to be feted for the fruits of his labor.
Dr. Walter E. Massey, School of the Art Institute of Chicago president, and Foxx’s close friend, Robert Downey Jr., presented him with the Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award, an honor bestowed upon Downey in 2010. The awards took place at the swanky Chicago Ritz-Carlton.
Foxx and Downey collaborated on the critically acclaimed film, The Soloist, and Foxx stated that it was “rare” that actors bond after the shooting ends.
“I made a great friend while making The Soloist,” Foxx said. “I’m honored to be able to share with him another brilliant moment in my life.”
Foxx was the consummate entertainer during the annual benefit for the Gene Siskel Film Center of the Art Institute of Chicago.
The debonair Academy Award-winning actor and singer serenaded the crowd at times, and spoke from his soul during Downey’s Q-and-A session. He connected with the crowd by reminding them of his early beginnings in show business: “I started doing stand-up here in Chicago many moons ago,” he said, adding that there’s more fight in him.
“And I have not yet begun to fight. I have many things in the pipeline, and I’m so grateful to the 312 [Chicago’s downtown area code] for this honor.”
Jamie Foxx also thanked Roger Ebert and his wife, Chaz, for attending the event in his honor.
Photos by Bernard Williams.
