Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone Scrap plan to receive an award at the LGBTQ festival in view of the actors' strike

July 21, 2023 12:49 a.m.

Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone have plans to land a prestigious honor at Outfest, Los Angeles' LGBTQIA+ film festival, and it all depends on the actors' strike.

The Hollywood couple were scheduled to accept the James Schamus Ally Award at Outfest's wrap-up party on Sunday, but canceled due to the SAG-AFTRA walkout. The award, named for the co-founder and former CEO of Focus Features, recognizes McCarthy and Falcone's support and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community.

"We understand that Melissa and Ben are unable to join us for our closing party due to the strike," Outfest's executive director said in a statement. "We will miss them as our closing night will be a wonderful celebration of our community."

The festival culminates with a gala at the Montalbán Theater in Hollywood, featuring a screening of Chasing Chasing Amy, a documentary that re-evaluates Kevin Smith's groundbreaking 1997 film Chasing Amy starring Joey Lauren Adams and Ben Affleck.