Los Angeles — The American Film Institute has declared the recipients of its Grand Jury Awards at the AFI Fest 2024, with the winners in the categories of Live Action Short, Documentary Short, and Animated Short now eligible for the highly coveted Academy Awards® in their respective genres. These winners were chosen by a diverse jury including Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sophia Nahli Allison, film programmer Nora Bernard, and multifaceted comedian and actor Paul Scheer.
Highlighted amongst the victorious short films, “Two People Exchanging Saliva,” directed by Natalie Musteata and Alexandre Singh, took home the Grand Jury Prize for Live Action Short. This 36-minute film elegantly portrays the intertwining of desire and capitalism, while normalizing queerness within its narrative framework.
In the Documentary Short category, Nicholas Stachurski’s “Land of Lost Toys,” which dives into the lives of Detroit’s resilient inhabitants and their forgotten companions, earned the top honor. This piece poignantly challenges viewers’ preconceptions about survival and humanity in the face of adversity.
The Grand Jury Prize for Animated Short was awarded to “Humantis,” directed by Paris Baillie. This visually stunning creation uses stop-motion animation to explore themes of change and self-acceptance, capturing the jury’s admiration for its imaginative storytelling and sophisticated craftsmanship.
The festival also acknowledged remarkable achievements with Special Jury Mentions. Ibrahim Handal’s “A Short Film About Kids” received a commendation for Freedom and Expression in the Live Action Short category, lauded for its dynamic representation of youthful resilience and ingenuity. “You’re Too Sensitive,” directed by Dan Chen, garnered a mention for New Voice in Documentary Shorts, with its innovative take on family dynamics and memory. Lastly, “Silent Panorama” by Nicolas Piret earned praise for Craft in Animated Shorts, celebrated for its exquisite detail and narrative unfolding on a singular sheet of paper.
This year’s AFI Fest set a new record for attendance, witnessing a 30% rise in ticket and pass sales from the previous year. The event showcased a diverse array of cinematic works including 6 Red Carpet Premieres, multiple special screenings, and films from 44 countries. The festival celebrated an impressive display of international filmmaking that included several submissions for the Best International Feature Oscar®.
Among the notable attendees were a multitude of film industry luminaries such as Tom Hanks, Jon Huertas, Jennifer Lopez, and Spike Jonze — each adding star power and insightful discussions to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Significantly, the AFI Fest maintained its commitment to diversity in filmmaking — 48% of the films were directed by women and non-binary filmmakers, and 26% by BIPOC filmmakers. These statistics underscore the event’s ongoing dedication to supporting and showcasing diverse voices in the cinema landscape.
AFI Fest remains a crucial platform celebrating cinematic achievements and fostering new talent, with many alumni and returning filmmakers constantly refreshing the creative pools of the global film industry.
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