Atlanta Jewish Film Festival to Honor Lawrence Kasdan with Inaugural Icon Award

At the opening night of the 16th annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival in January, executive director Kenny Blank announced the organization's next big step in achieving global recognition for their brand—the Icon Award for Contributions to the Cinematic Arts.

Perhaps best known for writing "Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi" and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," Kasdan has also had a tremendously successful career as a director and producer, making films such as "Body Heat," "The Big Chill," "The Accidental Tourist," "Grand Canyon" and "Wyatt Earp." Kasdan has received four Academy Award nominations across three categories (Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Screenplay).

Happy 75th birthday to Atlanta's Plaza Theatre!

With many ups-and-downs, The Plaza has had an interesting 75 years.

Atlanta's oldest continually operating movie theater, The Plaza, is now synonymous with quality programing, the local indie film scene and the Atlanta Film Festival. However, three-quarters-of-a-century ago, it was one of many movie houses in a city full of beautiful marquees. Having outlasted all the others—going through many different transformations in the process—The Plaza turns 75 years-old this coming week and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate!

Recently named one of the 20 best movie theaters in the world by Men's Journal, The Plaza is celebrating in style with a 10-day film series. Kicking off the festivities is an extremely rare presentation of "Star Wars" on Friday, July 18th at 8:00 PM. Other classic films playing throughout the week include "2001: A Space Odyssey," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Ninotchka," "Stagecoach" and more.

Don't miss your chance to celebrate! Check out the full schedule after the jump.