The Intouchables has the distinction of being the first film honored by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The non-profit organization was established to assist in the care of individuals living with paralysis and in helping to advance the research into spinal cord injuries, and Reeve Foundation President and CEO Peter T. Wilderotter explained why The Intouchables was chosen for special recognition.
“The Dana Reeve HOPE Award is presented to a person or organization that has shown amazing grace, strength, and fortitude. The recipient of this award is dedicated to continuing the hope that Dana Reeve brought to the world and to the millions of people living with paralysis. It is only fitting that we honor The Intouchables for touching audiences worldwide and reminding us of the commonalities shared between all of us, no matter the circumstances.”Wilderotter added, “We have always honored individuals and corporations that embody our mission to further the quality of life for those living with paralysis. After seeing this extraordinary film, we felt compelled to honor all of the individuals who helped bring this film and its inspirational story to light. This film captures the Foundation’s mission of ‘Today’s Care, Tomorrow’s Cure’ and we are passionate about sharing its empowering message with our community.”
Harvey Weinstein will be accepting the award on behalf of The Weinstein Company and The Intouchables directors Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache during a fundraising gala to be held on November 28, 2012 in New York City.
“On behalf of Eric and Olivier and TWC, I would like to express how humbled we are to be recognized by one of the most inspirational and forward thinking organizations of our time,” said Weinstein. “Christopher and Dana Reeve have bettered the lives of millions, and the fact that this film is the first ever to be honored by them shows us how the film’s true story touches the hearts of so many like it did ours.”
The Official The Intouchables Synopsis:
The Intouchables is an irreverent, uplifting comedy about friendship, trust, and human possibility that has warmed the hearts of millions. Based on a true story of friendship between a millionaire (François Cluzet) living with paralysis due to a spinal cord injury and his street smart ex-con caretaker (Omar Sy), The Intouchables depicts an unlikely camaraderie rooted in honesty and humor between two individuals who, on the surface, would seem to have nothing in common.
