Julia Stiles to receive 2025 Women+Film honor in Denver

DENVER, May 23, 2025 — Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award nominee Julia Stiles will be honored with the 2025 Barbara Bridges Inspiration Award during Denver Film’s annual Women+Film awards luncheon on Friday, May 30. The event, which includes a red carpet appearance, luncheon and premiere screening, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St.

Stiles is being recognized for her decades-long career portraying complex, unforgettable characters on screen, as well as her recent foray into directing. Following the award presentation, the event will feature the Denver premiere of Wish You Were Here, Stiles’ directorial debut and an adaptation of Renee Carlino’s bestselling novel, produced by Phiphen Pictures.
Dubbed “one of the most fearless and talented actresses in Hollywood” by the Los Angeles Times, Stiles is known for standout roles in 10 Things I Hate About You, Save the Last Dance, Mona Lisa Smile, The Omen, Silver Linings Playbook and Hustlers. She gained global recognition as Nicky Parsons in the Bourne franchise and earned critical acclaim for her performance as Lumen Pierce in Dexter, which earned her both Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy nominations.
Stiles is the fifth recipient of the Barbara Bridges Inspiration Award, joining past honorees Donna Dewey, Abigail Disney, Rita Moreno, Gabriela Cowperthwaite and Hannah Waddingham.
Presented annually by Denver Film, the Women+Film Festival celebrates stories by and about women through screenings, panels, and community events. This year’s festival runs May 30 through June 1 at the Sie FilmCenter.
“After two decades of portraying some of our favorite characters on screen, we’re excited to honor the inspirational Julia Stiles in Denver,” said Amy Weiner Weiss, development director at Denver Film. “Women+Film celebrates women both in front of and behind the camera, and we’re thrilled to connect our community with one of the industry’s most impactful talents. Julia is incredibly deserving of this award and reflects our mission to uplift women in cinema.”
Tickets for the luncheon and festival events are available at denverfilm.org.