Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder, Kevin James to Ascend on Chicago For Ron Howard Party

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CHICAGO – The 46th Chicago International Film Festival announced on Wednesday that several cast members from Universal Pictures’ upcoming comedy by Oscar winner Ron Howard will attend its annual summer gala on June 12, 2010. The comedy is temporarily titled “Cheaters” or the “Untitled Cheating Project”.

Image credit: Chicago International Film Festival

This year’s gala will honor Ron Howard with the silver Hugo career achievement award in recognition of his 50-year career in the film industry. The following stars are expected to attend the gala: Ron Howard, Chicago’s own Vince Vaughn as well as Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder, Kevin James and Brian Grazer (Ron Howard’s longtime producing partner at Imagine Entertainment and an Oscar winner).

The Chicago International Film Festival will pay tribute on this night to one of this generation’s most popular and admired directors. Howard has created some of Hollywood’s most memorable films from critically acclaimed dramas to hit comedies. He had iconic early roles on generation-defining television shows “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Happy Days”.

Image credit: Chicago International Film Festival

His films include “Splash,” “Cocoon,” “Parenthood,” “Backdraft,” “Apollo 13,” “A Beautiful Mind,” “The Da Vinci Code” and “Frost/Nixon”.

“For the better part of four decades, Ron Howard has maintained a reputation as one of the world’s most admired directors. He has mastered all genres including action spectaculars, moving dramas, chilling thrillers and character-driven comedies. His films … have left a significant imprint on film history and have changed the way we look at movies,” said Chicago International Film Festival founder Michael Kutza.

Image credit: Chicago International Film Festival

“The Chicago International Film Festival’s summer gala is the most-anticipated event of the year with all proceeds to benefit the year-round programs of Cinema/Chicago,” said managing director Vivian Teng. “We’re thrilled to have Ron Howard as this year’s honoree.”

The ceremony will be held on June 12, 2010 at the Museum of Science & Industry and will be hosted by award-winning television journalist Bill Kurtis. The award presentation will include a celebration of Howard’s career and include film highlights.

By ADAM FENDELMAN Editor-in-Chief/Publisher HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]