Filmmaker Jon M. Chu, alongside his longtime collaborators cinematographer Alice Brooks and editor Myron Kerstein, will be honored with the fourth annual Variety Creative Collaborators Award at the Middleburg Film Festival in Virginia this October. This marks the first time the award is presented to a trio, celebrating their joint work on projects such as In the Heights, Home Before Dark, and the recent Wicked.
Recognition for a Strong Creative Partnership
The trio’s recognition highlights their dynamic partnership and shared artistic vision, which has stood the test of time across several notable productions. Susan Koch, executive director of the Middleburg Film Festival, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, saying,
“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Variety to present the Creative Collaborators Award. This year’s recipients, director Jon M. Chu, cinematographer Alice Brooks and editor Myron Kerstein exemplify the power of artistic collaboration. We look forward to welcoming them to Middleburg and for our audiences to hear firsthand about their creative process in bringing the much beloved ‘Wicked’ — and their highly anticipated new film, ‘Wicked: For Good’ — to the screen.” —Susan Koch, Middleburg Film Festival Executive Director
The award recognizes how close professional relationships among creatives can result in compelling storytelling and groundbreaking cinematic achievements.
Insight into Their Collaborative Journey and Upcoming Projects
On October 17, the trio will participate in a moderated discussion led by Variety’s senior artisans editor, Jazz Tangcay. This conversation will explore the trio’s longstanding friendships and their method of working together, offering fans and industry insiders a rare behind-the-scenes look at their creative synergy. Tangcay remarked,
“I’m thrilled to represent Variety as we partner once again with Susan and the team at Middleburg to celebrate this collaboration. Jon and Alice have worked together since their film school days. Myron and Jon have collaborated on ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘Home Before Dark,’ as well as ‘In the Heights’ and ‘Wicked.’ Celebrating this trio of collaborators is what this very recognition was created for. I look forward to hearing about their process and their shorthand. I’m excited to honor these artisans with this crowd and celebrate their upcoming feature, Wicked: For Good.” —Jazz Tangcay, Variety Senior Artisans Editor
This session will also act as a retrospective, charting the duo’s careers and how their creative rapport has evolved.
Individual Contributions Highlighted Through Current and Future Work
Alice Brooks is currently involved with the animated project Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse, directed by Bob Persichetti and Justin K. Thompson, with production by Sony Pictures Animation and Columbia Studios. The film is set for release in June 2027. Meanwhile, Myron Kerstein’s involvement in Wicked and its upcoming sequel marks his fifth and sixth projects together with Chu.
Jon M. Chu is in post-production on Wicked: For Good and is also developing the animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s beloved book, Oh, The Places You’ll Go, scheduled to debut in March 2028 through Universal. These projects reflect Chu’s expanding range and the continued creative output of this collaborative trio.
Festival Highlights and Broader Industry Context
As part of the festival’s programming, Jazz Tangcay and Variety’s senior awards editor, Clayton Davis, will host the annual Coffee and Contenders discussion, focusing on the current landscape of awards season. The Middleburg Film Festival, known for honoring prominent figures such as Edward Berger, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Kenneth Branagh, Noah Baumbach, Sofia Coppola, and Damien Chazelle in previous years, continues to be a key platform for industry recognition and dialogue.
Significance of the Award and Future Prospects
The Variety Creative Collaborators Award highlights the importance of teamwork in filmmaking, underscoring how long-term partnerships can produce celebrated films that resonate with diverse audiences. By honoring Jon M. Chu, Alice Brooks, and Myron Kerstein, the award not only recognizes past achievements but also signals anticipation for their upcoming projects, including Wicked: For Good and Oh, The Places You’ll Go. Their award presentation at the Middleburg Film Festival will provide a unique opportunity for audiences to gain insight into the creative processes behind some of today’s most talked-about films.
