Actor Kevin Costner will receive the Eva Monley Award from the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) during the 12th Annual LMGI Awards gala on August 23 at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage. This recognition highlights Costner’s dedication to filming in authentic locations, reinforcing the significance of real settings in storytelling.
Costner’s Career and Contributions to Filmmaking
Throughout his career, Costner has appeared in notable films and television series such as Dances with Wolves, The Bodyguard, Field of Dreams, Yellowstone, and the recent Horizon: An American Saga. His work has earned him critical acclaim, including two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. Costner’s approach to filming emphasizes the role of real locations in enhancing the narrative, which is a key reason for receiving this award.
Significance of the Eva Monley Award
The Eva Monley Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the art and craft of filmmaking through their commitment to shooting on real locations. Past honorees feature respected filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Wes Anderson, and Danny Boyle, all recognized for their dedication to authentic location work.
John Rakich, LMGI president, remarked on Costner’s achievement:
“Kevin Costner has long understood that locations are more than scenery—they are storytelling tools that shape the emotional and visual language of a film. His commitment to authenticity and his deep respect for the craft makes him a perfect recipient of the Eva Monley Award. We’re honored to celebrate his legacy and his ongoing contributions to the art of filmmaking,”
—John Rakich, President of LMGI
Additional Honors to Be Awarded at the Gala
Alongside Costner’s recognition, Location Manager Ilt Jones will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work on major films including The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, Iron Man 3, Kong: Skull Island, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Captain Marvel, and the Transformers franchise. The LMGI Awards also cover categories such as Contemporary Film, Period Film, Contemporary TV, Period TV, Television Anthology, Commercials, and Film Commissions. Honorary accolades presented will include the Humanitarian Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Trailblazer Award, and the Eva Monley Award.
New Leadership in Post-Production at Goldcrest Post
In related industry news, Goldcrest Post, a leading post-production company, recently strengthened its picture finishing team by adding senior colorists Andrew Geary and Anthony Raffaele, along with senior Vice President J. Eric Camp. Geary brings experience from Company 3 and a portfolio that includes HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones and Netflix’s Tires. Raffaele’s background includes work on Apple TV+’s See and HBO Max’s Warrior. Camp, formerly a VP at Light Iron with hands-on production experience as a DIT, is now responsible for overseeing picture operations and business development at Goldcrest.
Goldcrest’s managing director Domenic Rom commented on these hires:
“Drew, Anthony and Eric share a commitment to high-end work and deep relationships across the industry. Their addition takes our picture finishing capabilities to the next level.”
—Domenic Rom, Managing Director at Goldcrest Post
Anticipated Impact of the LMGI Gala and Awards
The 12th Annual LMGI Gala is expected to highlight the critical importance of location work in visual storytelling, honoring professionals who push the boundaries of authenticity in filmmaking. Kevin Costner’s receipt of the Eva Monley Award underscores his role in elevating the use of genuine surroundings to enhance narrative depth. The event not only celebrates individual achievements but also shines a spotlight on the vital collaboration between artists, production teams, and location managers that brings stories vividly to life. Looking ahead, the recognition at LMGI encourages continued innovation and respect for real-world settings in cinema and television production.
