Rick Prickett, Competition Director

858-454-9868

AccoladeCompetition.org

Info@AccoladeCompetitio.org

The Accolade Announces Latest Winners!

La Jolla, CA, February 2023 – The awards go to those filmmakers, television producers and videographers who produce fresh, standout entertainment and compelling documentaries. The Accolade is an international awards competition that honors those who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity.

~~ Best of  Show ~~

Still Working 9 to 5 – Camille Hardman and Gary Lane

Camille Hardman and Gary Lane (USA), Still Working 9 to 5, Doc Feature – A documentary as uniquely blended as the movie it spotlights – skillfully using humor and entertainment to carry a larger message of inequality, sexism and discrimination still present today. When the highest grossing comedy, 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, Dabney Coleman and Lily Tomlin, exploded on the cinema screens in 1980, the laughs hid a serious message about women in the office. Still Working 9 to 5 explores why workplace inequality 40 years later is no longer a laughing matter, examining the correlation between what the original film began as – a cultural inflection point, and the subsequent evolution of the women’s movement. Deft direction by Hardman and Lane using a strong narrative bring together the original cast and spin-off stars for enlightening commentary that is both colorful and genuinely impactful. Tight editing and compelling soundtrack. Compelling interviews with Oscar-winner Jane Fonda, Oscar-winner Dolly Parton, Oscar-nominee Lily Tomlin, Oscar-winner Rita Moreno, Oscar-winner Allison Janney and Emmy-winner Dabney Coleman. Executive producers Oscar-winner Geralyn Dreyfous, Regina K. Scully, editing Emmy-nominee Elisa Bonora, Executive Producer and songwriter Grammy-winner Shane McAnally.

~~ Outstandinding Achievement ~~

Ellie – Fernando Bonelli

Fernando Bonelli (Spain), Ellie, Film Short – On a night that will change them forever – an Emergency Room doctor dashes into work coming from a serious car accident where she herself was hurt. What follows is a gripping story that involves moral decisions about family, life and death judgments, honor, selfishness, selflessness and the unfortunate circumstances and scarcity that even modern medical facilities face. Deft direction keeps the tension and suspense high as the viewer rides a complex wave of emotions. A potent short delivered by an exceptionally talented cast led by an exceptional, authentic and highly nuanced performance from Verónika Moral (Vis a Vis, Mar de Plástico).  Stars: Liz Lobato (Danzantes), Joaquín Notario (Julieta), María Zuheros (Desaparecidos), Trigo Gómez (Caronte), Jorge Kent (The Ministry of Time), Irene Aragón, Bernabé Fernández (The Boat, The Ministry of Time) and India’s National Film Award winner Usha Jadhav (Dhag, Veerappan).  Arkatamus Films

UTOPIA – Angela Andersen and Claus Kleber

Angela Andersen and Claus Kleber (Germany), UTOPIA, Doc Short – An exquisitely researched and superbly crafted investigative doc with a chilling message for our times. Big Tech has created an amazing new world. Welcomed by many, even when it came upon us all with uncalculated risks. But the tides are changing. A realization that unwarranted consequences of these convenient tools, thrills, and distractions might need oversight is gaining speed and muscle. In this context, UTOPIA focuses on Mark Zuckerberg’s Metaverse and Elon Musk’s vision to pair many human brains with implanted computer chips while also building an “escape hatch” to other planets. Just in case humanity fails on Earth. A masterclass in true investigative journalism by two incomparable award-winning professionals – journalist / producer / director Andersen and journalist / anchor Kleber. This film invites its viewers to be involved in a discussion on where humanity is heading. ZDF Studios GmbH (aired ZDF)

~~ Awards of Excellence Special Mention ~~

Antonio Tibaldi (USA), We Are Living Things, Film Feature – Two immigrants on the run from the law with a shared belief in aliens find hope in each other. A poignant story about underdogs and outcasts with a cautionary tale for today. Compelling script, deft direction, beautiful sets, lighting and cinematography. Achingly authentic performances by Jorge Antonio Guerrero and Xingchen Lyu. Writer/producer Emmy-winner Alex Lora.

Hossein Darabi (Iran), Henas, Film Feature, Islamic – The haunting story of Shohreh Pirani, the wife of scientist Daryoush Rezaeinejad who was assassinated while with his wife and child watched.  Gripping and chilling with deft direction and memorable performances led by the exceptionally talented Merila Zare’ei (Track, About Elly). Well crafted and well paced. Stars: Behrouz Shoeibi, Siavosh Tahmoures, Vahid Rahbani.

Jean-Michel Tari (France), Dark Cell, Film Short – Entertaining direction from BAFTA-nominee Tari, follows two convicts in a space prison, armed guards and blood-thirsty zombies. What follows is deception, mind-games and plot twists.  Creative script, poignant message, beautifully crafted with engaging performances.  Alain Figlarz (The Bourne Identity), Juliette Tresanini, Jonathan Pineau Bonetti, Pol White, Eric Debrosse.

Mayo Clinic (USA), Finding Substance X: The Team That Created Cortisone, Health / Medical – Meticulously researched and superbly laid out, this doc tells the story of the discovery of cortisone – one of the greatest medical breakthrough in the 20^th century.  With excellent visuals and supporting graphics, archival footage and audio recordings.  Purposefully scripted and tightly edited.  From Mayo Clinic Heritage Films.

Jordan Walker-Pearlman (USA), The Requiem Boogie, Film Feature – A surreal film about former child actor mourning his movie star dad, uninvited crazy strangers and the beauty of refusing to play by the rules. Engaging performances by a talent cast. Pearlman, Rosie Fellner, Hill Harper, Ever Carradine, Emmy-winner David Clennon, Emmy-nominees Tracie Thoms and Gregory Itzen. Soundtrack Emmy-nominee David Kahne.

Julio del Alamo (Spain), Brearth, Experimental – An emotionally moving and stunning visual odyssey of an evolutionary journey through a contaminated human dystopia packed in plastic waste that suffocates. The future is now. The earth is dying. The human being decomposes and recycles, perishable material until now. An experimental animation with AI-generated visuals that will take your breath away.  Exceptional in every way.

Natalya Omelchenko (Russia), Concert for Mitya / ХОЧУ ТУДА, Children / Family Program – Mitya is a child with autism, passionately loving the world of music. Through music he feels the harmony of the world. Constantly being kicked out of the music hall one day he sees a famous musician is coming and he wants to attend. Despite all odds – his dreams come true in an unexpected way.  Authentic performances from a talented cast.

John M Forte (USA), Words, Film Short – Two bumbling gangsters find themselves in a warehouse with their boss’s exotic dancer girlfriend, a hooded man tied to a chair and a series of mishaps when the unexpected transpires. A darkly humorous and intelligently witty script presented by a talented veteran cast. Enrico Colantoni, Robert Hallak, Nina Bergman, Dan Lauria, Tony Passaro.

Luke Bradford, Korn Ferry (United Kingdom), Grace, Disability Issues – An expertly crafted and tightly presented doc – tells the tale of “radical acceptance” through the  story  of medical student Grace Spence Green – as she creates a new life following a tragic accident that took her ability to walk. Beautiful production design, saturated colors, creative cinematography and well crafted, tight story-telling. Korn Ferry / Frogspawn Film

Maggie Jones and Brad Jones (USA), CANCER/EVOLUTION: The Dustbin of History, Doc Feature – Episode 1 of a docuseries on the metabolic theory of cancer. From Nobel laureate Otto Warburg, a gay, Jewish scientist under aegis of the Nazis – it shows how his theories informed discoveries, biases and politics of future research. Interesting interviews and exceptional graphics.

~~ Awards of Excellence ~~

Chris Mugford (United Kingdom), Gypsy Fire Dance, Music Video, Editing, Videography
Chris Mugford (United Kingdom), Roddas Clotted Cream, Commercial / Infomercial, Industrial / Technical / Business, Sales / Branding / Product Demonstration
Ehsan Eslami (Iran), Conscience, Film Short
Eugene Tatarov (Russia), DEAD FOREST’S BREATH, Entertainment / Drama
Felix Swahn (Sweden), Being A Dog, Animation
Isaac Brown, Ana Paula Habib and Stacey Goldring (USA), TRACES, Voices of the Second Generation, Jewish
J.P. Ferré (France), DCS: The Right Stuff, Animation, Editing
Jason Borkland (USA), The Time is Now, Documentary Short
Jean-Michel Tari (France), DARK CELL, Post-Production Overall, Direction, Viewer Impact: Entertainment Value, Script / Writer (Jean-Michel Tari), Television – Pilot Program, Television – Program / Series
Jiwon Yoon (Korea), Life Decision, Animation (Student)
John M. Forte (USA), Words, Cinematography (Curtis Boggs)
Jonathan Verleysen (France), Metamorphosis, Music Video
Jordan Walker-Pearlman (USA), The Requiem Boogie, Actress: Supporting (Ever Carradine as Aunt Geoff), Ensemble Cast, Script / Writer (Jordan Walker-Pearlman), Original Score (Composed by David Kahne), Direction (Jordan Walker-Pearlman), Actor: Supporting (David Clennon as Buddy), Actor: Supporting (Hill Harper as Washington)
Julio Del Alamo (Spain), BREARTH, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Justin Hsieh and Chloe Spanos (Australia), Operation Save The Moon, Animation (Student)
Katie Goodman (USA), The Karens, Direction, Film Short
Kipp Howard (USA), Rumble Rumble, Script / Writer
Kyle Saylors (USA), A Perfect Love, Documentary Short
Les Carlsen and C.G. Ryche (USA), River, Music Video, Original Song, Direction
Levi C. Maaia (USA), Pathways to Invention, Documentary Feature, Direction, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational
Luke Bradford and Korn Ferry (United Kingdom), Grace, Documentary Short
Maggie Jones and Brad Jones (USA), CANCER / EVOLUTION Episode 1: The Dustbin of History, Women Filmmakers
Marcus Paul Peters (Australia), Beyond Ink: Deep Water, Television – Pilot Program, Documentary Short, Direction
Martin Zalba (Spain), La Palma, Documentary Short
Matěj František Preisler (Czech Republic), Adult Exam, Film Short (Student), Actor: Leading (Student) (Michal Pazderka as Matyáš Preiss)
Mayo Clinic (USA), Born in a Storm: The Tornado That Gave Rise to Mayo Clinic, History / Biographical, Special Purpose Productions
Mayo Clinic (USA), Finding Substance X: The Team That Created Cortisone, Research
Mehmet Tanrisever (Turkey), THE APPRENTICE’S QUEST, Film Feature
Michael D. Kretzmer (United Kingdom), J’Accuse! A cry from the killing pits of Lithuania, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
MJ Sieber (USA), Prepared, Film Short
Muxel Paule (France), Tom and Luce, Film Feature
Nasser Aldhaheri (United Arab Emirates), Millstone, Direction, Documentary Feature
Patrick John Angele Knight (Belgium), ANKH, Original Score (Patrick John Angele Knight)
Roman Bataev (Russia), Psychics / Экстрасенсы, Webisode
Ron James (USA), Accidental Truth – UFO Revelations, Documentary Feature
Shannan Zhang (China), You are My Youth, Asian
Simone Vrech (Italy), The Longobard Warrior, Documentary Short
Stewart M. Schulman (USA), Left Alone Rhapsody – The Musical Memoir of Pianist John Bayless, Documentary Feature, Direction, Disability Issues, Editing
Yaroslav Osetrov (Russia), Пока, рыбка / Goodbye, fish!, Film Short
Zeberiah Newman (USA), Unexpected, Documentary Short, African American, Public Service Programming / PSA

~~ Awards of Merit Special Mention ~~

Alberto Nacci (Italy), DUEL, Music Video

Anthony Ring and Lisa Bertoldo, Lindy Lou Productions, Ring of Fire Productions and Channel 6 Productions (Australia), Lindy Lou, Film Feature, Women Filmmakers
Beto Sporkens (Brazil), Spark, Documentary Short, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Chris Roberti (USA), Eltingville, Actor: Leading (Dion Costelloe as Brandon Russo)
Ernő Nagy (Hungary), The Mountain Stays – the Person Happens, Documentary Feature
Henk Pringels (Belgium), Man in a Can, Animation
Jane Spencer (Switzerland), South of Hope Street, Film Feature
Jonathan Verleysen (France), Metamorphosis, Original Song
Joseph Sernio and David Joseph Higgins (USA), Loved, Actor: Leading (Joseph Sernio as Harold), Cinematography, Film Short
Katharine Parsons (Canada), THE FIRE CATS – Save Something Small, Documentary Feature, Original Score
Katie Goodman (USA), The Karens, Actress: Leading (Danielle Cohn as Not Karen Karen)
Lou Stone Borenstein and Sam Kench (USA), Jewish for Lunch, Jewish, Film Short
Luc Chamberland (Canada), The Apology Of Albert Batch, Film Short, Original Score (Composed by Luigi Allemano)
Raymond Chai (United Kingdom), Monoi Mazi (Alone Together), Original Score
Red Cedar Films (United Kingdom), EVA, Documentary Feature, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Steve Boyle (USA), City Without A Subway 1986, Documentary Short
Tyler Waters (Australia), Unbroken, LGBTQ+, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Wayne Olivieri (USA), Corporation Businessman, Music Video
Yuval Sol Boker (Israel), A Brush With Death, Film Short

~~ Awards of Merit ~~

A.P. Gonzalez (USA), George & Dorothy, Film Short, Script / Writer (John T Frederick), Direction (A.P. Gonzalez)

Anthony Ring and Lisa Bertoldo, Lindy Lou Productions, Ring of Fire Productions and Channel 6 Productions (Australia), Lindy Lou, Actress: Leading (Lisa Bertoldo as Lindy Lou)
Birgitta Liljedahl, Therése Neaimé, Henrik Norman and Anna Brixter (Sweden), Autonomous, Film Short
Chad Ridgely and Maggi Mayfield (USA), Vegas Is Calling, Direction
Chris Roberti (USA), Eltingville, Television – Pilot Program
Clay Hassler, Tif Hassler and William H. Adams (USA), John Ed: A Pastor’s Story, Documentary Short
Connor Raithby (United Kingdom), Maple Leaf, Film Short
Dathan Smith (USA), L.I.F.E.: It’s Wonderful, Television – Pilot Program
Dennis Woo (China), Veba Geceleri – 蝶化莊生, Film Short, Cinematography
Diane Leslie Kaufman (USA), Marble Me Free, Disability Issues
Eldar Yusupov (United Arab Emirates), Khafifa | Chapter I – Hope, Direction, Film Short, Editing
Frances Chang (USA), B Positive, Original Score
GBU and DJ Noj, Graven Image Films (USA), The Last Bullet, Animation, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Gian Elio De Marco Ezael (Italy), Il Lavoro è una Forma di Prostituzione?, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Graham Northrup (USA), Stand Up, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Maura Beth Fawley as Sal Colton)
Grant Scott Anderson and Neo Wagner (USA), The Stream, Film Short
Hamed Soleimanzadeh (Iran), What would you Like to See Before you Die?, Experimental
Jason Huang (USA), Memories, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Jesse L. Watson (USA), A Man Buried, Film Short, Ensemble Cast (Tony Doupe, Darlene Sellers, Dawson Doupe, Carly Norton, Gene Thorkildsen)
Joey Min (USA), Rumble Riot, Entertainment / Drama / Dance / Variety, Film Short, Web Tube Length Video
Jurg Slabbert (South Africa), On/Off, Film Short
Kevin Veatch (USA), Dinosaurs in the Congo, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Vince Peddle as Professor Beauregard Danforth)
Kiran Kondamadugula (USA), ID, Actor: Leading (Rakesh Galebhe as Sid / Anwar)
Kostoula Tomadaki (Greece), Mother of the Station, Documentary Feature
Lottie Andersen (France), Oscar’s lovers, Script / Writer (Lottie Andersen)
Lynn H. Elliott (USA), The Seed-Bearers.  The Mongrel, Television – Pilot Program
Malka Shabtay (Israel), Nafkot – Yearning, Documentary Feature, Jewish
Marc Yungco, Caroline Eaton Pickard and Danielle Braund (Canada), Woo Mates, Webisode, Script / Writer (Caroline Eaton Pickard)
Marco Bottiglieri (USA), Chainsaw Artist, Documentary Feature
María Yolanda Brown Melián and Kevin Ramos Fernández (Spain), Los Aspirantes -The Applicants-, Women Filmmakers, Television – Pilot Program, Direction
Matthew Op’t Eijnde (Netherlands), Maenda – Let Go, Music Video
Melina Samizadeh (Iran), The Bat, Women Filmmakers
Mohamad Reza Mehrafarin (Iran), Playing in the Wind, Film Short
Mohammad Ahsan (Pakistan), Pehchaan (Identity), Film Short
Nadia Guo (China), Wish You Well, Direction, Actor: Leading (Ruoyu Xiao as boy), Film Short
Nick Pascoal (USA), Emergence, Animation, Special Effects: Animation
Nomi Sofer (USA), Voices of Reentry, Documentary Short, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Quantum Cadet (Canada), God Particle Apocalypse, Music Video
Raymond Chai (United Kingdom), Monoi Mazi (Alone Together), Entertainment / Drama / Dance / Variety
Recovery Happens – SHWC (USA), Hero, Commercial / Infomercial, Concept, Direction
Red Cedar Films (United Kingdom), EVA, Original Score (Composed by Helen Lyon)
Rich West (USA), Imaginary Friends, Actor: Leading (Dennis Marburger as Daniel)
Rossano B. Maniscalchi (Italy), The Key to Heaven, Narration / Voiceover Talent (Duane March), Documentary Short
Rudy Strukoff (USA), Love In Vain, Music Video
Sepideh Ghavami (Iran), Curettage, Film Short
Simone Ellul (Malta), White Roses, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Antonella Axisa as Samantha)
Stephen Sacavitch and Terry McFadden (USA), Joey’s Place, Film Short
Timmy Walczak (USA), One Man Picture Show or: The Modern Tragedy of Creation, Actor: Leading (Timmy Walczak as Tom / Harry / Dick)
Whitney Hamilton (USA), UNION, LGBTQ+
William G. Conlin (USA), AnimalZone: The Cowboy and the Queen, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Television – Program / Series
Yuval Sol Boker (Israel), A Brush With Death, Actor: Leading (Tsahi Halevi as Uri Amir), Script / Writer (Yuval Sol Boker)
Zakea Page (New Zealand), Ink and Gold: An Artist’s Journey to Olympic Glory, Documentary Short, Editing (K.W. Miller)

~~ Awards of Recognition ~~

Abie Ekenezar, Mona Das, A’Noelle Jackson and Preston Standiferd (USA), Bad Ass Women Doing Kick Ass Shit, Documentary Feature, Mobile / Cell Phone Media

Alisher Mishelyov (Kazakhstan), Mine, Asian
Andrei Bortica (Romania), A Champion’s Story-In Memory of My Father, Direction (Student), Documentary Feature (Student)
Annetten Wilson (USA), CRISIS SQUAD, Women Filmmakers
Arturo Portillo (USA), Beaten, Film Feature
Clarence Felder, Chris Weatherhead and Trevor Erickson (USA), John At Patmos: An Allegory, Christian, Actor: Leading (Clarence Felder as Apostle John), Editing (Trevor D. Erickson), Actor: Supporting (Michael Easler as Apostle Paul)
Edwin E. Brochin (USA), Falconer 2 The Untold Stories, Documentary Feature, Editing, Direction
Elena Shelton (USA), Releasing You, Actress: Leading (Pamela Nelson as  Andrea (Mother)), Direction, Women Filmmakers, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Ellen Gabriel (Canada), Kanatenhs – When The Pine Needles Fall, Native Peoples (Student), Documentary Short (Student)
Eme (Melissa) Eidson (USA), Slow Fashion, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Frances Chang (USA), B Positive, Animation, Experimental
Franklin Livingston (USA), Roomates, Webisode
Garry Michael Kluger (USA), Nutz & Boltz, Script / Writer (Garry Michael Kluger), Film Short, Ensemble Cast
Gavin Hunter Checchi (USA), THE LAST HOMERUN, Disability Issues (Student), Documentary Short (Student)
GBU & DJ Noj, Graven Image Films (USA), The Last Bullet, Dramatic Impact
Holger Klussmann (Germany), Last Station Calvary, Christian
J Z Murdock (USA), Pvt. Ravel’s Bolero, Experimental
James Balsamo and  Bill Victor Arucan (USA), Alien Danger 2 with Raven van Slender, Editing
Jason Huang (USA), 1 year, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Jermaine Foster (USA), NO INVITATION, Film Short
Joey White and Sabrina Dubner (USA), Dead Man’s Gambit, Film Short (Student)
John Johnson (USA), FREEDUMB, Film Short
Jonathan Mirin (USA), To Bee or Not to Bee, Children / Family Programming
Joseph Gamble (USA), Let’s Go Daddy, Original Song
Kandis Heckler (USA), America the Land of the Free?, Script / Writer, Dramatic Impact, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Karin Schill (Sweden), Accept Me, Film Feature, Script / Writer (Karin Schill, Mohamed Shakour Gutale, Linnéa Jonsson, Emma Jonsson, Hanna Linderholt, Maria Sargsyan)
Kay Pavlou (Australia), GHOST TOWN, Documentary Short, Women Filmmakers, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Kevin Veatch (USA), The Offended Cat, Children / Family Programming
Lee Steinbeck (USA), A Most Annoying Man, Actor: Leading (Tim Snoha as Emery Dodd)
Marcia Haufrecht (USA), 3 MUSES, Film Short, Original Score, Women Filmmakers, Editing
Marina Xanthopoulos (USA), Grandfather of Time, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Marjorie A. Thomas (USA), (im)pure, Experimental
Mark Cofie (Ghana), Captain’s Corner, Direction, Editing, Film Short, Movie Trailer
Matthew R. Howe (USA), The Reunion, Film Short (Student)
Matthew R. Howe (USA), Lone Star Surf, Documentary Short (Student)
Melanie Ekholdt (Norway), A Dollhouse in Kristiania, Experimental
Parker Ridings (USA), Roscoe, Film Short, Actor: Supporting (Travlyn Pantana as Aurelio)
Patrick John Angele Knight (Belgium), ANKH, Experimental
Raymond Chai (United Kingdom), Monoi Mazi (Alone Together), Concept
Reasons for Hope and WATC TV (USA), Glad You Asked, Interview / Talk Show, Religion / Ethics
Rich West (USA), Imaginary Friends, Film Short
Roc Flowers and Matilde Bergamini (USA), Show me the Vision, Music Video
Sabrina Dubner (USA), The Last Sighting, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Sasivimon Youkongkaew (Thailand), Tham Luang Rescue : Power of Unity, Documentary Feature
Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), The Future in our Hands, Asian
Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), Take me Home, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), Celebrating Chinese New Year, Web Series, Asian
Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), Growing with our FamilyTree, Asian
Tom Lazarus (USA), I’M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN and it ain’t easy, Editing
WATC TV (USA), Atlanta Live:  Domestic Violence Awareness Special, Public Service Programming / PSA, Television – Live Events
WATC TV 57 (USA), Friends & Neighbors: 20 Years of Laughs, Interview / Talk Show, On-Camera Talent
WATC TV 57 (USA), Magnify, Featuring SoulSound, Religion / Ethics, Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays
WATC TV 57 (USA), Babbie’s House with Guest Pierra Collins Ep. 1250, Viewer Impact: Motivational / Inspirational, Interview / Talk Show
WATC TV 57 (USA), Red Back Revival Sing Along Show, Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays, Religion / Ethics