Hartl Spotlight: Kyle MacLachlan

As part of our annual awards highlighting the best in film, Seattle Film Critics Society presents the John Hartl Pacific Northwest Spotlight award to specifically honor the outstanding work of a person with local ties to the region. Named in honor of John Hartl, the late Seattle Times film critic whose legacy remains a beacon in the region and beyond, the SFCS Board presents the award annually to acknowledge an exceptional body of work from an individual who represents the Pacific Northwest.

The 2024 John Hartl Pacific Northwest Spotlight award was presented to Kyle MacLachlan. Born in Yakima, MacLachlan has starred in classic films like DuneBlue VelvetShowgirls, and The Hidden as well as iconic series like Twin PeaksPortlandia,and the recent Fallout. His contributions to cinema make him one of the most talented performers to call Washington home. 

SFCS presented the award and screened cult classic sci-fi film The Hidden at SIFF Cinema Downtown in a ceremony on October 30th. MacLachlan was in attendance for an awards ceremony and post-film Q&A spanning his career moderated by Chase Hutchinson.

“For over 40 years, Kyle MacLachlan has proven himself a master of screens both big and small as he has tackled most every genre, all the while maintaining a potent working relationship with the incomparable David Lynch, culminating in 2017’s masterful Twin Peaks: The Return. We are thrilled to present this award to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most gifted performers,” said Kathy Fennessy, SFCS President. 

MacLachlan was introduced by SFCS President Kathy Fennessy before speaking at length about Hartl, the late Seattle Times film critic that is the namesake of the award, and his impact. 

“I wish I would have known him, I wish I would have met him,” MacLachlan said. “He wrote film criticism suggesting and helping interpret, for the readers, what the director was trying to do, even if that director wasn’t completely successful or the film wasn’t completely successful. He guided readers through the ever-evolving landscape of cinema with insight, with wit, and a deep, abiding passion for the art. His reviews didn’t just critique, they sparked curiosity in his audience, and he championed both celebrated and less well-known films.”

MacLachlan then spoke further about Hartl, the importance of curiosity in film criticism, and his own wide-ranging career in a post-film Q&A with SFCS Vice President Chase Hutchinson.

Full video of the awards presentation and Q&A: