AirticketsONLINE

Download image

LOS ANGELES—American Airlinesis recognizing the importance of women in film by announcing a newUSD 50,000award for independent film directors at this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards. The Bonnie Award will be given to an up-and-coming female director and seeks to honor their innovative vision and breakthrough work in the entertainment industry.

The award’s namesake,Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo, was the first female pilot to fly for a major U.S. airline. Tiburzi began her career in 1973 when she was hired byAmerican Airlinesas a flight engineer. Tiburzi flew for American for 26 years before retiring.

“We’re inspired by Bonnie’s story and perseverance, and we are honored that this award for female directors will carry her name,” saidFernand Fernandez, vice president of Global Marketing forAmerican Airlines. “We are committed to building a diverse workforce and providing opportunities for people from all walks of life.”

“I was surrounded by the aviation culture my entire life and I knew becoming a pilot was what I wanted,” Tiburzi said. “I had to work harder, longer and be better just to be equal, butAmerican Airlinesdidn’t shy away from hiring a woman. To be recognized and bring back this part of my life is exhilarating.”

As the preferred airline to the entertainment industry,American Airlinesis proud to be the official airline and premier sponsor of the Film Independent Spirit Awards. The Spirit Awards is the premiere awards show for the independent film community and continues to show its dedication to recognizing and supporting diverse artists through its collaboration withAmerican Airlines.

“At Film Independent we have a deep and longstanding commitment to supporting female directors and increasing diversity in filmmaking,” said PresidentJosh Welsh, “and we’re honored to deepen our partnership withAmerican Airlineson this new venture, the Bonnie Award.”

Submissions and nominations for the first Bonnie Award will open in June and nominees will be announced in November. The first Bonnie Award will be presented during the 2018 Spirit Awards season inLos Angeles. VisitTheBonnieAward.comto learn more.

American is proud to support initiatives and events throughout theLos Angelesarea. We are active in supporting local organizations including Los Angeles LGBT Center, theLA Missionand the Southern California Special Olympics. Within the entertainment industry we continue to partner with theAmerican Film Institute, theBritish Academy of Film and Television Artsand TheHollywood Bowl. In 2016 American formed an advisory council of influencers from leading entertainment corporations to shape future decisions.

AboutAmerican Airlines Group
American AirlinesandAmerican Eagleoffer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has hubs inCharlotte,Chicago,Dallas/Fort Worth,Los Angeles,Miami,New York,Philadelphia,Phoenix, andWashington, D.C.American is a founding member of theoneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 1,000 destinations with about 14,250 daily flights over 150 countries. Shares ofAmerican Airlines Group Inc.trade onNasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. In 2015, its stock joined theS&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter@AmericanAirand atFacebook.com/AmericanAirlines.

ABOUT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS
Now in its 32nd year, the Film Independent Spirit Awards is an annual celebration honoring artist-driven films made with an economy of means by filmmakers whose films embody independence and originality. The Spirit Awards recognizes the achievements of American independent filmmakers and promotes the finest independent films of the year to a wider audience.

Press release American Airlines