NEW YORK — The 2025 Tribeca Festival has unveiled its jury award winners, with “Charliebird,” directed by Libby Ewing, taking the top honor in the U.S. Narrative category. The festival also recognized “Happy Birthday” and “Natchez” in the International Narrative and Documentary competitions, respectively. Notably, the Performance Award was shared by Andrea Riseborough and Brenda Blethyn for their roles in “Dragonfly.”
Cara Cusumano, the festival’s director and senior vice president of programming, expressed enthusiasm about the selected winners, stating that they showcase a range of innovative voices in independent storytelling from across the globe. “Every year at Tribeca, we strive to highlight the most thrilling new talents,” she noted.
The awards celebrated many first-time filmmakers, including Ewing, Cristian Carretero, and Lorraine Jones Molina, who collectively received the Best New Narrative Director Award for “Esta Isla.” Isabel Hagen was honored with Best Screenplay for “On a String,” while Walter Thompson-Hernandez won the Viewpoints Award for “Kites.” Sarah Goher also achieved multiple awards including Best International Narrative Feature and the prestigious Nora Ephron Award for her film “Happy Birthday.”
As anticipation builds, the Audience Award winners, determined by attendee votes throughout the festival, are set to be announced later. The festival is scheduled to conclude on June 15.
In the U.S. Narrative competition, the Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature went to Ewing’s “Charliebird,” celebrated for its emotional depth and complexity. The special jury mentioned “Esta Isla,” recognizing its rich portrayal of class and history. Noteworthy performances included Gabriela Ochoa Perez earning Best Performance for “Charliebird,” while Isabel Hagen’s screenplay garnered acclaim for its wit and narrative prowess.
In the International Narrative competition, Sarah Goher’s “Happy Birthday” was awarded Best International Narrative Feature for its insightful exploration of class and motherhood, praised for both writing and performances. The special mention went to “Cuerpo Celeste,” directed by Nayra Ilic García, commended for its visual storytelling and thematic depth.
The Documentary competition also yielded significant winners, with “Natchez,” directed by Suzannah Herbert, receiving Best Documentary Feature. The film was recognized for its compelling exploration of American history and race. The special jury mention was awarded to “An Eye for an Eye,” which depicted the struggles of women in a society limiting their rights.
This year’s Viewpoints Award went to “A Bright Future,” directed by Lucia Garibaldi, celebrating its inventive narrative and poignant themes. The Best New Documentary Director Award was shared by Augusto Zegarra for “Runa Simi,” praised for its focus on cultural preservation through storytelling.
Additional categories honored emerging talents, including the Best Narrative Short, which was awarded to “Beyond Silence,” and the Best Animated Short, presented to “Playing God.” A Special Jury Mention was given to “Petra and the Sun,” recognized for its emotional depth and artistry.
The Tribeca Festival continues to be a platform for diverse and groundbreaking talent in filmmaking. As the festival progresses, its commitment to global storytelling is evident, ensuring it remains a vital part of the cultural landscape.
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