《激情》是电影巨星梅尔·吉布森（Mel Gibson）继《勇敢的心》后再次亲自执导的新作，影片描绘的是耶稣生前的最后12个小时的情景，这样敏感的宗教题材从拍摄开始便引起不小争议。为了体现出应有的真实感，影片没有使用英语，而采用了两种已经失传的古语——拉丁语和阿拉姆语。凭着这部成功的影片，梅尔·吉布森将捧回今年好莱坞电影节杰出贡献导演奖。

Backed by the success of "The Passion of the Christ," Mel Gibson will be feted by the Hollywood Film Festival with the Hollywood Producer of the Year Award.

Gibson will receive the award Oct. 18 at the festival's closing-night gala, to take place at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

Known around the world for his work in front of the camera, Gibson launched his producing career with Bruce Davey and formed Icon Prods. Their first project was "Hamlet" in 1990.

Their projects have included "Forever Young," "Maverick," and "What Women Want. More recently, Gibson produced the current release "Paparazzi" and last year's "The Singing Detective."

"Passion," which he wrote, directed and produced, has earned more than $370 million at the domestic boxoffice.

The 2004 Hollywood Film Festival will take place Oct. 12-18 at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood. Also sets to be honored at the gala are John Travolta, Michael Mann, Bob Berney, Jamie Foxx and Keira Knightley, among others.