Native actor Adam Beach is already earning accolades for his portrayal of Pima soldier Ira Hayes in "Flags of Our Fathers."

Beach, a member of the Saulteaux First Nation of Manitoba, will receive the Rising Star Award at the 18th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival next January. There's also talk of a potential Oscar nomination for the 33-year-old actor.

Hayes was one of the soldiers who raised the American flag at Iwo Jima during World War II. He battled alcoholism when he returned home and died of exposure in 1955.

Get the Story:
Film fest award puts Beach in very elite company (The Ottawa Sun 10/17)
Adam Beach fighting on two fronts (The Ottawa Sun 10/17)
Oscar Beach Party? (The Winnipeg Sun 10/17)

Relevant Links:
Flags of Our Fathers - http://www.flagsofourfathers.net
Adam Beach, official message board - http://www.adam-beach.com/beach_talk

Related Stories:
Adam Beach praised for portrayal of Ira Hayes (10/10)
Adam Beach plays Ira Hayes in 'Flags of Our Fathers' (10/6)