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 ~
Philip Hamilton and Scott Wilson – Ocean Souls
Philip Hamilton and Scott Wilson (United Kingdom), OCEAN SOULS, Documentary – An unprecedented collaboration of over 100 of the world’s best marine photographers and 25 international scientists – as they unite to deliver a documentary that is gorgeously filmed, scientifically accurate and emotionally stirring. Paying particular attention to inspiring viewers through relatable narrative – the filmmakers focus on family, emotions, language and social organization of this intelligent cetaceans. The film is carried by luscious and exceptional music from the incomparable IFMCA and Cesar Award winning composer Armand Amar. The fimmakers set out to create a film that both informs and arouses – ultimately fostering action to protect these beautiful animals and the world around them. Creatively edited by Scott Wilson, Alexis Barbier-Bouvet. Impactful scripting by Julian Ambler and narrated by Flora Clark. In association with Wildlife Media and The Claude and Sofia Marion Foundation.
~ Award of Excellence Special Mention ~
Gillian Mosely (United Kingdom), The Tinderbox, Doc Feature- BAFTA-winner Mosely delivers an exceptional, balanced and heart-wrenching look at the Isreali-Palestinian conflict – never before presented. History, geopolitics, psychology and a deeply personal journey, told with the highest journalist integrity, challenge prevailing notions. Emmy-winning producers Andre Singer and Richard Melman, editor BAFTA winner Andy R. Worboys.
Joshua B. Pribanic and Melissa A. Troutman (USA), Invisible Hand, Doc Feature – Exec producer Oscar-Nominee Mark Ruffalo’s paradigm shifting doc about the creation of ‘Rights of Nature.’ A defining battle where nature, democracy and capitalism face off in rural America – the fight for our survival is at stake. Pribanic and Troutman’s exceptional investigative journalist skills deliver a compelling and emotional film.
Michael Schilf (USA), The Fixer, Film Short – Exceptional direction, gritty, raw, superb performances and pitch-perfect sound and technical craft – drive this crime drama. The emotions of the characters combine with a pinch of humor deliver a short with memorable impact. Danny Trejo (Heat), Jesse C. Boyd (The Highwaymen), Veronica Diaz Carranza (Dark Was the Night), Vincent van Hinte (Dutch).
Jonathan Heap (USA), The Unwilling, Film Feature – Oscar-Nominated Heap delivers a horror film with a deeper message about personal vices and the traps the set in lives. A talented ensemble cast delivers a film with a depth beyond the fright. Stars: Golden-Globe nominee Lance Henriksen (Aliens) David Lipper (Frequency), Dina Meyer (Starship Troopers) Bree Williamson, Austin Highsmith, Jake Thomas, Robert Russler.
Vladimir Koifman (Russia), Agatha’s Case Files. Queen of Diamonds, TV Series – A clever, intriguing and entertaining look at a beautiful woman and captivating men for their money and the complicated and handsome detective who wants to capture her. A deliciously entertaining binge with astute direction and a talent cast. Daria Lenda, Konstantin Kryukov, Alexandr Polovtsev, Boris Khvoshnyansky, Maria Melnikova.
Johnny DePalma (USA), 52 – A Tale of Loneliness, Children / Family Program – Emmy-winner Patton Oswalt (Ratatouille) narrates this charming tale – inspired by the true story of the 52 Hz whale. A creative, impactful and ultimately poetic story, both heart-rending and heart-warming. Beautifully messaged inviting viewers on a journey as unique as 52 himself. Deft direction, delightful animation and touching soundtrack.
Maverick Moore (USA), My Dinner with Werner, Film Short – Based on real events and real things Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski actually said…this is a wacky farce about a 1987 dinner date with a murder plot as the main dish. Deftly directed, creative, captivating and delightfully absurd. Carried by a talented cast. Stars Chynna Walker (Sam), Matthew Sanders (Volker Schlöndorff’s Return to Montauk), Andrew Perez and Grant Virtue.
Hemwant Tiwari (India), The Fox, Film Feature – Tiwari’s one-shot black and white film successfully pulls off this difficult task while telling a compelling story. Old lovers reunite, cars break down, shady police officers appear and slowly but surely their shadows emerge and the threads of their lives unravel in unexpected ways. Stars Tiwari, Auroshikha Dey, Tirrtha Murbadkar, Parimal Aloke.
Shin Saito (Japan), Eternal, Film Feature – German war experiments, Symphony No. 9 and conch shell poison. Love and science fiction combine to shape the fate of a couple entwined by these elements unbound by time. Character conflict, social messages and humor driven by authentic performances delivers a compelling film. Kyoichi Komoto, Masami Kimura, Kana Godo, Makoto Yamashiro.
Dmitriy Endaltsev (Russia), Groom. Bride. Herring, LGBT – A man returns to his country home after his parents die. Greeted by his simple and exuberant friend he soon discovers that even home he’s not safe from condemnation, assumption and punishment leading to a tragic and horrific turn of events. Chilling and all too real with painfully convincing performances by a talented cast. Stars: Mikhail Evlanov, Pavel Chinarev.
BirdGang Ltd (United Kingdom), Flying Home, Experimental – Artistic creativity, compelling music, inspired choreography and tight editing combine to present a visual corollary to the self-isolation of the current pandemic. Abstract reflections and emotive dancing leads the viewer on a journey from being limited by surroundings our true capacity to raise about the humdrum of life.
~ Award of Excellence ~
Alexandre Gamot and Alexis Goldenberg (France), Gymnopédie No. 2: Vivian Roost Rework (Project XII), Music Video
Anthony Hickox and Michel Adam (USA), Exodus to Shanghai, Film Feature
Arantxa Hurtado (Sweden), There Goes that Life, Women Filmmakers, Direction
Artemy Ortus (Russia), ALAMPA – STORM, Music Video
Bradley Hasse (USA), Songs for a Sloth, Actor: Leading (Richard Hollman as Maxwell Grant)
Carlos Torres and Karen Torres (USA), XIETY, Disability Issues, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Catelyne Ma (Canada), Our Sparkles, Women Filmmakers (Student)
Debbie Rao (India), Pushpavalli Season 2, Actress: Leading (Sumukhi Suresh as Pushpavalli), Web Series, Actor: Supporting (Naveen Richard as Pankaj)
Deepak Reddy (India), Manasanamaha, Creativity / Originality, Direction, Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Viraj Ashwin), Viewer Impact: Entertainment Value, Post-Production Overall, Asian, Editing, Cinematography, Script / Writer
Eduardo Letamendi, Rising Up Film Productions (USA), EmBlem, Film Short, Latin / Hispanic
Elisabeth Lecaye (France), DATES, Film Short
Emilie Tommasi (France), The Gliwensbourg Chronicles, Webisode, Web Series, Creativity / Originality
Gary Null and Valerie Van Cleve (USA), Last Call for Tomorrow, Documentary Feature
Hemwant Tiwari (India), THE FOX, Actor: Leading (Hemwant Tiwari as Abhay)
Hong-Po Cai (Taiwan), Rebirth, Animation
Jean-Baptiste Moisy (France), Phillie’s Diner, Film Short (Student)
Jo Seungwon (Korea), We Go Together, Asian, Film Feature
Johnny DePalma (USA), 52 – A Tale of Loneliness, Animation
Jonathan Heap (USA), The Unwilling, Actor: Leading (David Lipper as David Harris)
Jonathan Paine (USA), The Coral Project, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Joshua B. Pribanic and Melissa A. Troutman (USA), INVISIBLE HAND, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Women Filmmakers
Julia Verdin (USA), Angie : Lost Girls, Direction, Film Feature
Kelly Ashton Todd (USA), Under Review: Katahdin, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Leonardo Aranguibel and Marco Colantoni (USA), The Insomnia Plague, Experimental, Latin / Hispanic
Martin Reinhart and Virgil Widrich (Austria), tx-reverse, Experimental
Oshri Cohen (Israel), NEW WORLD (pizza) ORDER, Web Series
Philip Hamilton and Scott Wilson (United Kingdom), OCEAN SOULS, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Pilippe Azoulay Siritzky (France), The Seacrets, Nature / Environment / Wildlife, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Rob Villanueva, RVSF Inc. (USA), California Rising, Documentary Short
Sean Tretta (USA), Day 14, Film Short
Seth Raven Small (USA), Isolation, Film Short
Shahab Najafi (Iran), Bubble, Film Short
Shin Saito (Japan), ETERNAL, Asian
Sonia Bajaj (USA), The Perfect Date, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Sonia Bajaj (USA), A Ride To Heaven, Film Short
~ Award of Merit Special Mention ~
Luciano Barsuglia (USA), Social Distance, Actor: Supporting (Vernon Wells as Gil Oldman, Jr.)
Billy (United Kingdom), Freedom, Music Video
Bradley Hasse (USA), Songs for a Sloth, Film Feature
Carlo Fusco (Italy), THE FINAL CODE, Actress: Leading (Ieva Lykos as Sharon)
Catherine Dao (USA), Symphoria, Original Score (Original Score and arrangements by Composer, David Lamont)
Danny Thykaer (Denmark), Louise & Louise, Film Short, Actress: Leading (Tanja Fleth Boenke as Louise)
David Sabbath (USA), Generation Hops Episode One, Web Tube Length Video, Editing
Deepak Reddy (India), Manasanamaha, Actress: Supporting (Drishika Chander as Chaitra)
Demetrio Casile (Italy), SHOCKING MARRIAGE, Film Feature
Devi Morgan (USA), Like Daughter, Like Mother, Actress: Leading (Devi Morgan as Myra), Film Short
Donny Walker (USA), Mind Exchange Music Presents: Layne Marie Williams The Adventures of Ms Glitch Live Film Score, Television – Pilot Program
Drew MacPowell (USA), Terraforma, Film Short, Original Score (Duality Distinct composed by Sebastien Pan)
Eduardo Letamendi, Rising Up Film Productions (USA), EmBlem, Actor: Supporting (Eduardo N. Martinez as Chino), Actress: Leading (Katalina Viteri as Cassiopeia), Actress: Supporting (Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel as Mirae)
Elia Cmiral (Czech Republic), Altered Mind of 20-20, Original Score
Erika Lynn Jolie (USA), The Haven Project, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger
Felix Heyer, DLIGHTING pictures (Germany), G-POWER G8M Bi-TURBO – M8 F92, Commercial / Infomercial, On-Camera Talent (Felix Heyer)
Iakovos Panagopoulos (Greece), Allimonò, Film Short
Jaret Martino (USA), DONNA Stronger Than Pretty, Film Feature, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Jessica Li (Australia), Mother Tongue, Film Short (Student), Women Filmmakers (Student)
Leona Krahn (Canada), Vivi’s Vision, Disability Issues, Documentary Short
Lishu Lin (Taiwan), Leaving Virginia, Actor: Leading (Ng Siu-Hin as A-Lie), Actress: Leading (Berry Kuo as Xi-Shi), Asian, Film Feature
Mehran Mahdavian (Iran), Parva, Film Feature
Mikis Fernandez (France), Classified : The Time Traveler, Television – Pilot Program
Sarah Goff, James Meyer, Rachel Morgan Perry and Elizabeth Usher (Australia), Sending Love Your Way, Music Video
Vahagn Karapetyan (Greece), Wicca Book, Film Short
William Brooke (United Kingdom), The Nature of Time, Educational / Instructional / Training, Health / Medicine / Science
WonChan Sohn (USA), The Annunciation, Actor: Leading (Benton Jennings as Rabbi), Christian
Yudelka Heyer (USA), HONEY CYCLE, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
~ Award of Merit ~
Alekya Malladi, Gesthimani Roumpani and Yanrong Yang (USA), Incognito, Animation (Student)
Allen Moore (USA), Out of Our Heads, Documentary Short
Allison Bergman and Marcelle Sirkus (USA), Gastropod, Film Short
Amina Chaudary and Beth Murphy (USA), #LiveLikeHaris Feature, Documentary Feature
Andrew Niblo, Paul Forrest and Russell Dalgleish, Ecaveo Capital Partners (United Kingdom), Cold Kill, Film Feature
Anthony Saldana (USA), Straight off The Canvas, Documentary Feature, Disability Issues
Luciano Barsuglia (USA), Social Distance, Actor: Leading (Jed Rowen as Stork Winters), Film Feature
Bhushan Thakkar (USA), Returning Home, Film Short
BSK (India), K2K, Documentary Feature
Carlo Fusco (Italy), THE FINAL CODE, Film Feature, Direction
Carlos Torres and Karen Torres (USA), XIETY, Public Service Programming / PSA
Catherine Dao (USA), Symphoria, Film Feature, Women Filmmakers, Actress: Leading (Catherine Dao as Professor JT Dalton)
Celia Jaspers (New Zealand), Homeschool, Children / Family Programming, Women Filmmakers
Christina Zorich (USA), The New Abolitionists, Documentary Feature
Christopher Jones (USA), SAVE ME, Film Feature, Editing
Crystal R Emery (USA), The Deadliest Disease In America, Women Filmmakers
Dale Fabrigar and Suzanne DeLaurentiis (USA), Suzanne’s Saturday Night Scares, On-Camera Talent (Suzanne DeLaurentiis)
David Sabbath (USA), Generation Hops Episode One, On-Camera Talent (David Sabbath), Direction
Debra Dragotto (USA), 22 Dollar Eggs, Film Short, Women Filmmakers
Devi Morgan (USA), Like Daughter, Like Mother, Original Score (Composed by Louis Robert King)
Dexter Hemedez and Allan Ibanez (Philippines), Happiness Isn’t Cancelled, Public Service Programming / PSA
Eduardo Letamendi, Rising Up Film Productions (USA), EmBlem, Actor: Leading (Peter Armendáriz as Leo)
Elia Cmiral (Czech Republic), Altered Mind of 20-20, Experimental
Elisabeth Lecaye (France), DATES, Women Filmmakers
Gracia Aglaé Juárez Rebolledo (Mexico), The Dancing Lady, Latin / Hispanic
Helena Giersz (USA), Luba, Animation
Isaac Padrós Suárez (Spain), Kayak No Limits – Menorca in the Dark, Disability Issues
Jeremy Newman (USA), The Dreaming Biome, Experimental
Joe Stanton Kelly (USA), SaaSy, Webisode
Joe Wenborne (United Kingdom), Touching the Blue, Actor: Leading (Jeff Stevenson as Derek Hodges)
Jon Cortegoso Otaduy (Spain), The Last Day on Duty, Documentary Feature
Jon Mancinetti (USA), Super Bois, Film Short
Jonathon Crewe (United Kingdom), face2face, Film Feature (Student), Concept (Student)
Josh Sabey, Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies (USA), The Romey Lynchings: A Story of Lebanese Immigrants, Documentary Short
Kevin Flannagan, Streetlight Movies, QuarterMil Media and Positive Impact Pictures (USA), The Minivan Candidate, Documentary Short
Kiran Kondamadugula (USA), PAST, Asian
La’Chris Jordan (USA), January 14th, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Leona Krahn (Canada), Vivi’s Vision, Women Filmmakers
Manny Bains and Serge Velbovets (Canada), F.E.A.R: Face Everything And Rise, Documentary Feature, On-Camera Talent (Annie Koshy)
Manuel Juri Vitali (Italy), THE CHOICE, Film Short
Mario Abbade (Brazil), Love is now the stardust of yesterday…, Film Short, LGBT
Matthew Thomas Chapman (USA), Growing Up Guide Pup, Public Service Programming / PSA, Special Purpose Productions
Merced Elizondo (USA), Manos De Oro (Hands Of Gold), Latin / Hispanic
Mikis Fernandez (France), Classified : The Time Traveler, Drama Program / Series
Nastasya Simbirceva (Russia), Broken Phone, Commercial / Infomercial
Nikki Estridge (USA), Don’t Make it Awkward, Actress: Leading (Nikki Estridge as Kate Manopolous)
Pete Vanlaw (USA), For the Life of Me, Jewish
Raed Barance and Anthony Bravo (USA), Elevation Zero, Experimental
Ray Day (USA), Truth Be Told: Irving Norman and the Human Predicament, Documentary Feature, Use of Film / Video for Social Change
Rick Bowman (USA), The American Milking Devon: Past & Present, Documentary Short
Robert Yunaev and Anton Chikishev (Israel), Fish also drown, Actor: Supporting (Moshe Malka as Aaron Levy), Experimental, Jewish
Ryan Zamo and Jordan Fraser (USA), Back Stabber- Season 2, Actor: Leading (Ryan Zamo as Isaiah)
Sadie Duarte (Spain), When the Music Stops Playing, Women Filmmakers, Original Score (Composed by Fernando García Munera)
Sarah Kasmi, Kaska Dko – Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten (Belgium), LE CHOIX, Actress: Leading (Student) (Cristina Sapalo as Naika)
Sean Tansey (Greece), The Stones of Rome, Actor: Leading (Sean Tansey as Mark Antony), Film Short
Sean Tretta (USA), Day 14, Actress: Leading (Mia Tretta as Mia)
Simon Nader (United Kingdom), What Are You So Afraid Of?, Ensemble Cast
Sonia Bajaj (USA), Remember This, Public Service Programming / PSA
Sven Oliver Kuerten (Germany), Dose, Film Short
T.R.E. Nue (United Kingdom), Anna & Luter, Film Short
Thomas Biebers (USA), Generation to Generation, Web Series
~ Award of Recognition ~
Agno Dissan, Mad Sneaks (Brazil), Limbo, Music Video, Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery
Alejandro Aragona (Argentina), What’s for dinner tonight?, Nature / Environment / Wildlife
Amrik S. Pabla (USA), Assassinators: Retribution, Script / Writer (Javier Schialer and Amrik Pabla)
Amy Leigh McCorkle (USA), Letters to Daniel: The Motion Picture, Actress: Leading (Megan Jones as Amy McCorkle), Actress: Supporting (Virginia Beld as Missy Goodman), Film Feature, Actor: Supporting (Brandon X Bell as Patrick)
Andrea Neal (USA), Reflection, Film Short
Andy Magro (Germany), Titanic Parody, Actor: Leading (Andy Magro as Jack Dawson)
Angelica Pique (USA), Escapism, Experimental
Bea W. Bliss (USA), Aborted Traffick, Women Filmmakers, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising, Cinematography
Chelsea Eng and Maurice Liang (USA), Hop-a-Longa, Special Purpose Productions
Dale Fabrigar and Suzanne DeLaurentiis (USA), Suzanne’s Saturday Night Scares, Television – Program / Series
Denise Parella and Eric Francis Melaragni (USA), Suddenly Single in the Suburbs, Television – Pilot Program, Film Short
Frances Barth (USA), Dreaming Tango, Experimental, Arts / Cultural / Performance / Plays
Gabe Schmidt (USA), The Voice in the Night, Film Short (Student)
Giovanna Caruso (USA), Double Faced, Film Short, Women Filmmakers, Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising
Hitesh Malviya (India), Detained in Malaysia: No Human Being is Illegal, Documentary Short, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest
Jay Pennington (USA), SENIOR DISCOUNT’d, Christian
Joe Wenborne (United Kingdom), Touching the Blue, Film Short
Kevin Veatch (USA), Coin Conjuring, Original Score (Coin Conjuring composed by Kevin Veatch), Narration / Voice-Over Talent (Francis Jacobson)
Larry Sheffield (USA), Alamogordo, Center of the World, Trinity 1945, Documentary Short
Leland Thomas Faegre (USA), The Handstand Heard ‘Round the World, Children / Family Programming
Louis Joon (United Kingdom), Learning Hebrew (A Gothsploitation Movie), Film Feature
Luka Oleksyshyn (USA), Marijuana Paradize, Documentary Feature
Malcolm Solomon (USA), That’s Life (The Politician Speaks), Music Video
Mario Abbade (Brazil), Ivan, The TerrirBle, Documentary Feature, Direction
Max Masri and Chelsea Eng (USA), Walk of Contrasts, Music Video
Michael Traverzo (USA), Fiasco, Web Tube Length Video
Nancy Hamilton (USA), Fire on the Ridge, Film Feature
Nikki Estridge (USA), Don’t Make it Awkward, Women Filmmakers
Omar Casillas and Fernando Rodriguez (USA), Last Vacation, Actress: Leading (Lisa Christine Holmberg as Samantha)
Paul Chan and Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), Follow your heart, Asian
Richard Buswell, Merry BanD Productions (USA), Order 86, Film Feature, Creativity / Originality
Robert Silver (USA), DEPARTURE, African American, Film Short
Rodney Roldan (USA), Typography Through Time: Renaissance Era, Documentary Short, Television – Program / Series
Ruth Elliott (USA), THE NIGHT PRINCESS, Women Filmmakers
Ryan Zamo and Jordan Fraser (USA), Back Stabber- Season 2, LGBT, Webisode, Web Series, Actor: Supporting (Noland Ammon as Damien), Actress: Leading (Zasha Shary as October)
Sage Burigana-Marcus (Canada), Lost and Found, Young Filmmaker – 17 and younger, Film Short (Student)Sanjay Sanwal (India), Poonam, Film Short
Sarah Goff (Australia), Give it Space, Music Video
Shannon Anderson (USA), Stripper To Striver, Documentary Feature
Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), The Fulfilled History of China, History / Biographical
Shihyun Wang (Taiwan), Millennial View on Prophecies, Asian
Shihyun Wang, Paul Chan and James Chen (Taiwan), Taiwan- my home, Asian, Documentary Short
Simon Nader (United Kingdom), What Are You So Afraid Of?, Film Feature
Sophia Romma (USA), Used and Borrowed Time, Experimental, Liberation / Social Justice / Protest, Women Filmmakers
Stacy T. Holmes, ACE (USA), My CoronaVirus Prayer, Christian
Starina Johnson (USA), Frank, Women Filmmakers, Film Short
Taylor Bryce Turner (USA), Behind You, Film Short (Student), Actress: Supporting (Student) (Dani Carney as Andrea Rose)
Tony Marquez (USA), Show of Hands, Public Service Programming / PSA
Travis Patten (USA), Nemeku Lights, Film Short (Student)
Vince Deadrick Jr. (USA), Donna On The Go: REALLY!, Disability Issues, Women Filmmakers
Virginia Blatter (USA), No Longer Perfect, Actress: Leading (Isabella Bertillson as Kristina), Women Filmmakers
Yantra de Vilder (Australia), Home a Place of Belonging, Experimental
Yantra de Vilder (Australia), Way Down Below- A Lament for our Times, Music Video
