Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” will close AFI Fest 2012, it was announced today.
The world premiere of the highly anticipated film will screen Thursday, November 8th, the day before it opens in limited release.
The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role alongside a remarkable supporting cast that includes Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairn, Jackie Earle Haley, John Hawkes, Hal Holbrook, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader and Jared Harris. Written by Tony Kushner, the film is based in part on the best-selling book “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” by noted historian Doris Kearns Goodwin.
”Steven Spielberg is an American master, enriching the cultural legacy of our nation with each new film in his extraordinary career,” Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO, said in a statement. ”We are honored he has chosen AFI FEST for the World Premiere of ‘Lincoln,’ an historic cinematic event in itself as it brings the most dramatic American history to life for new generations.”
“Steven Spielberg epitomizes American filmmaking,” added Jacqueline Lyanga, Director, AFI FEST, “and who better to tell the story of one of the most significant figures in our country’s history. In this important presidential election year, Spielberg’s ‘Lincoln’ reminds us that the challenges of the past remain as relevant today.”
AFI FEST, celebrating its 26th year, will take place November 1 through 8 in Hollywood, California, at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
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