‘Newport Beach Film Festival Honors’ to Air Tonight on PBS SoCal
The 26th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival Honors took place recently, showcasing some of the most promising talents in the industry. The event, which featured Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch and honored Scarlett Johansson with the Legends and Groundbreakers Award, will be airing on PBS SoCal on Monday at 7:30 pm and is also available for streaming on their website.
Among the honorees were Mark Hamill, Noah Schnapp, and Diane Lane, who shared their insights and experiences with the audience. The event was recorded at the picturesque Balboa Bay Resort in October and was executive produced by Visit Newport Beach.
The annual Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch list has a track record of recognizing talents who have gone on to achieve great success in the industry, with past honorees like Mahershala Ali, Timothée Chalamet, and Brie Larson. This year’s list includes rising star Chase Infiniti, who shared her awe at being in the presence of industry giants like Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio. Another standout was Miles Caton, whose debut in the film “Sinners” garnered unexpected acclaim.
Mari Yamamoto took a moment to praise her co-star Brendan Fraser, who received the Icon Award at the event. She recounted a touching moment on set where Fraser went above and beyond to ensure her safety, showcasing his dedication to his craft and his fellow actors.
Other honorees included Milly Alcock, Ella Anderson, Edmund Donovan, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Jay Lycurgo, Guillaume Marbeck, and Tonatiuh. Alumni from previous 10 Actors to Watch lists were also recognized, with Tessa Thompson, Jenny Slate, and Kerry Condon receiving special awards for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
The event also saw the presentation of Icon Awards to Brendan Fraser, Diane Lane, and Mark Hamill. Hamill, reflecting on his recent projects, expressed gratitude for the unexpected resurgence in his career and the opportunities that came his way.
Former Variety editor Steven Gaydos, who received the Arts Champion Award, shared a humorous anecdote about auditioning for the role of Luke Skywalker. The show concluded with the presentation of the Legends and Groundbreakers Award to Scarlett Johansson, who emphasized the importance of paving the way for future generations of female directors.
The 26th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival Honors can be streamed on the PBS SoCal website for those who missed the original airing. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the celebration of talent and creativity in the film industry.
