Yale in Hollywood Fest 2021 wrapped earlier this month, handing out its top prizes to a mix of accomplished Yalies with bright and promising futures.
Lee Isaac Chung, director of the Oscar-nominated film “Minari,” was honored with the Visionary of the Year Award, presented by alum juror Chris Lee. The announcement of this award was made prior to the start of the film festival, held December 2-4.
A number of Yalies were honored for their work in films exhibited during the festival. Among the winners were SJ Chiro, recognized with the Best Feature Film award for “Lane 1974,” and current student Sophia Mitri Schloss, who received the Best Actress honor. Both awards were handed out by student juror Kristina Yang.
In addition, alum juror Sara Gilbert presented the Best Narrative Short Film to Adam Shaw’s “Nanmin,” festival programmer and juror Hannah Ruth Earl presented the Special Jury Award in Acting to Lily Weisberg’s “Studio 210,” and Yang presented Best Narrative Short Film to Jeff Locker’s “The Forgotten Place.”
Alum actress and programmer Melissa Johnson hosted the award ceremony.
“Congratulations to all the recipients of this year’s awards and everyone who was featured in this year’s festival,” said alum and festival director Quentin Lee. “Our alumnae jury was second to none, and they certainly had a difficult task. There were so many remarkable films and incredible performances, not to mention brilliant storytelling. This year’s festival again displayed the multitude of talents coming from Yale, and we’re already excited for what will come in 2022.”
Next year’s Yale in Hollywood Fest will run December 1-3, 2022, showcasing features and short films that include at least one Yale student, alum, or current staff in the starring, producing, writing, or directing chair. Submissions will open in August 2022.
Streaming of the Yale in Hollywood Fest awards presentation is available on YouTube. And all recorded programs of Yale in Hollywood Fest 2021 are available on its official website: yihfest.com.
Founded and headed by alumnus Kevin Winston, Yale in Hollywood is a volunteer-run organization based in Los Angeles that connects Yale students and alumni to the global entertainment industry.
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Photo caption: Clockwise from left to bottom left: Lee Isaac Chung, Sophia Mitri Schloss, SJ Chiro’s “Lane 1974,” Jeff Locker’s “The Forgotten Place,” Lily Weisberg’s “Studio 210,” and Adam Shaw’s “Nanmin"
