Free Solo Wins Oscar For Best Documentary Feature

Free Solo

A film depicting a solo ascent of El Capitan by longtime Jackson residents won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature on Sunday.

Free Solo follows professional climber Alex Honnold as he attempts the first free solo climb of the famous vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, El Capitan. The vertical rock is about 3,000 feet tall. The documentary directors, Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vaserhelyi, who are married, have said the film is more of a character study of Honnold as he takes on a life or death climb.

At the Oscars, Chai Vaserhelyi thanked Honnold's girlfriend for making the film more than just about a climb and she thanked Honnold.

"Thank you Alex Honnold for giving us courage and teaching us how to believe in the impossible and inspiring us," she said. "This film is for everyone who believes in the impossible."

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Flipboard
Kamila has worked for public radio stations in California, New York, France and Poland. Originally from New York City, she loves exploring new places. Kamila received her master in journalism from Columbia University. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the surrounding areas with her two pups and husband.
Related Content
  1. ‘La casa de todos’: Immigrant resource center opens in Jackson
  2. Jackson interpreter helps Latino families invest in their children's education
  3. Jackson physician elected to the board for the Alzheimer’s Association of Wyoming
  4. Mexican immigration resource center may finally come to Jackson this spring