The Associated Press
Thursday, November 10, 2005; 12:54 AM

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Oscar winner Christine Lahti received the Susan B. Anthony "Failure Is Impossible" Award at the opening of the High Falls Film Festival Wednesday night.

"I've spent my entire career trying to find complex roles that give a positive example to women," the 55-year-old actress said. "Acting is about passion. You do it because you must do it."

Lahti won an Oscar in 1995 for the short film "Lieberman In Love," an Emmy and Golden Globe in 1998 for "Chicago Hope" and a Golden Globe in 1990 for a television movie.

"She's fully engaged at all levels," said Catherine Wyler, artistic director of the fifth annual festival that highlights work by women. It is showing 87 films through Monday. Jane Alexander, Angela Bassett and Diane Ladd also were expected to make appearances.

Lahti also visited the Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester.

"One need only go there to completely appreciate the fight she fought and the tenacity she displayed," Lahti said. "I walked away so inspired to go back home and fight the good fight."