Excitement fills the air as the American Film Institute (AFI) reveals the winners of the prestigious AFI FEST 2023 Grand Jury Awards and Special Mentions. These exceptional films have captured the hearts of audiences, and now they are one step closer to the highly coveted Academy Awards® recognition.
The distinguished members of the jury, BAFTA-winning and Emmy®-nominated director and writer Sindha Agha, film critic Ryan Swen, and writer, producer, and film programmer Imani Davis, meticulously deliberated over the outstanding entries.
AFI President and CEO, Bob Gazzale, hailed this year’s AFI FEST for breaking attendance records and demonstrating the profound power of cinema to unite us, particularly during challenging times. He expressed his pride in AFI’s sustained commitment to showcasing the best of world cinema in the heart of Hollywood, eagerly anticipating an even more exceptional experience next year.
Now, let’s celebrate the remarkable works that have captured the Grand Jury Awards and Special Mentions at AFI FEST 2023!
Grand Jury Prize – Live Action Short
“CLOSING DYNASTY” by director Lloyd Lee Choi astonished the jury and audiences alike with its captivating tale of an enterprising little girl navigating a unique vision of New York City. The blend of humor, poignant storytelling, and breathtaking cinematography left an indelible mark.
Grand Jury Prize – Documentary Short
“NǍI NAI & WÀI PÓ (GRANDMA & GRANDMA)” by director Sean Wang offered a tender and comedic portrait of an unconventional family dynamic. It artfully captured the rhythms of everyday life and provided a heartfelt perspective from the elders.
Grand Jury Prize – Animated Short
“CHUTES” directed by Kenzie Sutton took flight with its whimsical and thought-provoking exploration of social relationships and the allure of materialism. Audiences were treated to a rollercoaster ride of clever visual metaphors that left them enchanted.
These outstanding winners have earned their place as contenders for the esteemed 2023 Best Live Action Short, Best Documentary Short, and Best Animated Short Academy Awards®, adding further excitement to their incredible achievements.
In addition to the Grand Jury Awards, the AFI FEST 2023 jury also recognized several remarkable films with Special Mentions in different categories. These exceptional works pushed boundaries, evoked emotions, and left an indelible mark on audiences.
AFI FEST 2023 was a remarkable five-day showcase featuring over 140 captivating titles from around the world. The program included an array of Red Carpet Premieres, Special Screenings, Luminaries, Discovery films, World Cinema selections, Documentaries, Short Film Competitions, and the AFI Conservatory Showcase presented by AMC Networks. Women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ filmmakers were well-represented, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to inclusion and diverse voices in the industry.
This year’s festival highlighted 4 World Premieres, 3 North American Premieres, and 4 U.S. Premieres. With films from 49 countries and 20 Best International Feature Oscar® submissions, AFI FEST 2023 exhibited the incredible richness and diversity of global cinema.
The festivity commenced in grand fashion with the highly anticipated world premiere of “LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND,” written and directed by Sam Esmail, and starring Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, and Mahershala Ali. The festival came to a majestic close with Bradley Cooper’s “MAESTRO,” an extraordinary love story chronicling the enduring bond between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein.
Notable figures from the industry graced the festival with their presence, including Mara Brock Akil, Oprah Winfrey, Greta Gerwig, Janelle Monae, Tyler Perry, and many more. It was a star-studded affair that further elevated the buzz and anticipation surrounding the event.
Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter hosted a mesmerizing panel celebrating the greatest film books of all time. Esteemed authors and industry experts, including A. Scott Berg, Cameron Crowe, Leonard Maltin, and more, engaged in a lively discussion moderated by Scott Feinberg.
As AFI FEST 2023 showcased these exceptional cinematic achievements, it also shined a spotlight on the talented alumni from the AFI Conservatory. Their work exemplified the institute’s commitment to nurturing emerging filmmakers and celebrating their contributions to the world of cinema.
AFI FEST 2023 thrived through the support of valuable corporate partners such as Apple Original Films, Amazon MGM Studios, AMC Networks, Canva, and Netflix. Their dedication further solidified the success and impact of this premier cinematic event.
This year’s AFI FEST was a resounding triumph, serving as a reminder of the immense power and beauty of film. The unforgettable stories, visionary storytelling, and diverse voices celebrated throughout the festival have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.
The post “AFI FEST 2023 Announces Grand Jury Award Winners!” appeared first on the L’Art Magazine.
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