The 21st edition of the HollyShorts Film Festival is set to honor a host of notable figures from the entertainment industry, including filmmaker Jared Hess, actor and director David Oyelowo, and actress Katherine McNamara. The event will be held in Hollywood from August 7 to August 17.
Jared Hess will receive the Visionary Award as a commendation for his diverse directorial work, spanning from the independent classic “Napoleon Dynamite” to the major Warner Bros. production “A Minecraft Movie,” starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black. His animated short film “Ninety-Five Senses,” which was showcased at the 2021 HollyShorts and went on to receive an Oscar nomination, underscores his creative range.
“Receiving this special award is a tremendous honor. I have great respect for HollyShorts and their commitment to promoting innovative and new storytellers. It’s humbling to be acknowledged by such an esteemed community,” expressed Hess.
David Oyelowo is set to be honored with the Luminary Award for his significant contributions as both an actor and a director. He is well-known for his portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in “Selma,” and his role in “The After,” which not only won accolades at HollyShorts but also earned an Academy Award nomination.
“It is a great privilege to receive the Luminary Award from HollyShorts, a festival that values bold and diverse storytelling. As a storyteller myself, these are qualities that I always strive to embody in my work,” Oyelowo commented.
Katherine McNamara, known for her roles in “Shadowhunters” and “Arrow,” will be presented with the Rising Star Award. She has previously been a part of the festival’s jury in 2024.
“Receiving the Rising Star Award from HollyShorts is an incredible honor. Having seen firsthand the festival’s dedication to nurturing remarkable talent in the film industry, I am deeply grateful for this recognition,” McNamara stated.
Additionally, the festival will celebrate designer Jeff Hamilton with the Sports Culture Icon Award, Ultra Music Festival with the Global Visionary of Sound Award, filmmaker Madeline Down with the Female Sports Director Award, and the music group Deep Root Tribe with the AfroHouse Label Maverick Award.
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The festival’s opening night will feature a lineup of exciting films and performances, including “Too Good” starring Jean Smart and Lil Rel Howery, the visual album “Victory” by Slick Rick produced by Idris Elba, “Bulldozer” featuring Mary Steenburgen, and several others.
The festival will take place at the TCL Chinese Theatre and will be available for streaming on Bitpix TV, culminating in an awards ceremony on August 17.
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With a knack for uncovering hidden gems, Blake dives deep into the world of indie films and underground cinema.