At the recent SCAD Film Festival, Netflix’s Frankenstein, written and directed by Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro, was awarded the prestigious Audience Award following a sold-out screening event. The ceremony, which took place in Savannah, Georgia, also honored Oscar Isaac, who attended the screening and received the Icon Award for his contributions to cinema.
Runner-Up and Additional Recognitions Highlight the Festival
Searchlight Pictures’ heartfelt dramedy Rental Family, directed by Hikari and starring Brendan Fraser, was named the runner-up of the festival. Fraser was also celebrated with the Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Award during the event, recognizing his impactful career. These honors mark a significant moment in the festival’s recognition of both emerging and established talent.
International Audience Award and Auteur Tribute
In the International Audience category, Neon’s No Other Choice, directed by Park Chan-wook, received top accolades. Park was also presented with the Auteur Award before an enthusiastic and full house, further acknowledging his unique artistic vision and influence within the industry.
Broad Selection and Diverse Winners Among 2,500 Submissions
The SCAD Film Festival evaluated more than 2,500 film submissions, ultimately selecting 102 titles for competition. Awards were distributed across multiple categories including narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and special jury prizes. Noteworthy winners include:
- Best Narrative Feature: Charliebird, directed by Libby Ewing
- Best Documentary Feature: Yanuni, directed by Richard Ladkani
- Best Professional Short: Rise, directed by Jessica J. Rowlands
- Best Director: Richard Ladkani for Yanuni
- Best Cinematography: The Singers, directed by Sam Davis
- Jury Award for Social Impact: All the Empty Rooms, directed by Joshua Seftel
- Jury Award for Ensemble Acting: Beyond Silence, featuring Henrianne Jansen, Sigrid ten Napel, and Tamar van den Dop
Cash Prizes and Special Honors Boost Film Talent
Several winners received monetary awards sponsored by Frankfurt Kurnit and ShotDeck. These included a $1,000 prize for Best Cinematography and $500 prizes for Best Professional Short, Narrative Feature, and Documentary Feature, adding tangible support to their achievements. The festival also spotlighted many esteemed industry figures and emerging stars.
Prominent accolades included the Legend of Cinema Award for Spike Lee, Outstanding Achievement in Television for Dakota Fanning, and Luminary Awards for Rose Byrne and Will Arnett. Additionally, rising talents such as Sydney Sweeney, Miles Teller, Regina Hall, Amanda Seyfried, and Tessa Thompson were recognized for outstanding performances.
Animated and Student Shorts Gain Recognition
The festival also celebrated innovation and creativity in animated and student short films, with Murmuration by Janneke Swinkels and Tim Frijsinger, Dragfox by Lisa Ott, and Breastmilk by Ifeyinwa Arinze receiving top honors and cash awards. The Global Shorts Forum highlighted compelling works such as The Return by Jeremy S. Levine, Hoops, Hopes, & Dreams by Glenn Kaino, and Largo by Salvatore Scarpa and Max Burgoyne.
Creative Impact Award Presented Alongside Festival Highlights
Variety partnered with the festival to present its Creative Impact Award in Production to Hannah Beachler during a screening of Sinners. Additionally, Variety hosted its fourth annual Pixels and Pencils event, showcasing the year’s best animation films and spotlighting 10 influential artisans to watch, underscoring the festival’s commitment to both film artistry and industry innovation.
The success of Guillermo del Toro Frankenstein and other honored films demonstrates the SCAD Film Festival’s role in elevating diverse cinematic voices and connecting audiences with compelling storytelling. These awards not only celebrate achievement but also help shape the future direction of independent and international cinema.
