Palm Springs honors Octavia Spencer

SpencerOctavia Spencer is going to be honored using the Breakthrough Performance Award in the Palm Springs Film Festival. Spencer will get the award in a gala on Jan. 7."Octavia Spencer is really a consummate actress who effortlessly blends her dramatic and comedy talents, creating performances of uncommon depth," stated chairman Harold Matzner.Being recognized in Palm Springs signifies another proper step toward a possible supporting actress Academy Award nomination for Spencer, whose role in "The AssistanceInch has gained her honours buzz because the film's debut this summer time. The well-timed festival, which runs Jan. 5-16, occupies a vital place in honours season since it happens when Golden Globe and Oscar voters have ballots in hands.Formerly introduced honorees include George Clooney, Glenn Close, Michel Hazanavicius and Michelle Williams. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com