
TRIBECA FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2023 COMPETITION WINNERS
Cypher, A Strange Path, Between the Rains Take Top Honors in U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, and Documentary Competitions
Gabriella Moses Receives the 11th Annual Nora Ephron Award for Boca Chica
Common Ground Receives Second Annual Human/Nature Prize
Select Films Available on Tribeca at Home Beginning June 19
NEW YORK - (June 15, 2023) - The 22nd annual Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, today announced the winning storytellers in its competition categories at an awards ceremony at Racket NYC. The top honors went to Cypher for the Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature, A Strange Path for Best International Narrative Feature, and Between the Rains for Best Documentary Feature. Awards were given in the following competition categories: Feature Film, Short Film, Audio Storytelling, Immersive, Games, Human / Nature, AT&T Untold Stories, and Tribeca X.
The Festival, which hosts more than 600 events across New York City, concludes on June 18th.
We take great pride in recognizing this year's collection of diverse, trailblazing works and creators, said Cara Cusumano, Festival Director and Vice President of Programming. Today's honorees are a compelling testament that storytelling across genres and platforms is on a vibrant and inspiring trajectory.
Some award winners received the unique Tribeca Festival Art Award from a selection of artists led by curator Racquel Chevremont. Supported by CHANEL, the world-class artists donated work to honored filmmakers.
Winners of the Audience Award, which are determined by audience votes throughout the Festival, will be announced at a later date.
Select awarded films, including A Strange Path, Between the Rains, and Boca Chica will be available to watch via the Tribeca at Home platform beginning June 19 through July 2, 2023.
2023 Winners and Special Jury Mentions, as selected by the 2023 Festival Jury, are as follows:
U.S. NARRATIVE COMPETITION
Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature: Chris Moukarbel for Cypher, (United States) - World Premiere. Jury comment: For its kaleidoscopic use of music, created imagery and found materials, in service of an interrogation of celebrity, conspiracy culture and the nature of narrative reality itself. This award is sponsored by OKX.
Best Performance in a U.S. Narrative Feature: Ji-Young Yoo for Smoking Tigers, (United States) - World Premiere. Jury comment: For this actor's skill in holding the depth of their character's experience with a quiet strength, vulnerability and a willingness to stay soft and open to their scene partners and camera alike.
Best Screenplay in a U.S. Narrative Feature: So Young Shelly Yo for Smoking Tigers, (United States) - World Premiere. Jury comment: This screenplay pulled us into its leading characters, making us care deeply about their pasts and futures. It skillfully juggled multiple storylines and journeys with nuance, emotional honesty, deft sequencing until the final beautiful scene.
Best Cinematography in a U.S. Narrative Feature: Caroline Costa for The Graduates, (United States) - World Premiere. Jury comment: From the very first frame, it was clear the cinematographer was someone in complete command of their craft. From their naturalistic approach to lighting to tight compositions, the cinematographer supported the emotional journey of the film at every turn.
U.S. Narrative Feature Special Jury Mention: Monica Sorelle for Mountains, (United States) - World Premiere. Jury comment: For its authentic, specific portrayal of a culture we had not seen on screen. A deeply emotional and empathetic portrait of a family in a changing world with brilliant leading performances.
INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE COMPETITION
Best International Narrative Feature: Guto Parente for A Strange Path, (Brazil) - World Premiere. Jury comment: In considering the International Narrative Feature Award, one film rose to the top with its surprising warmth and deeply compelling storytelling. We are honored to present the best International Narrative Feature award to Guto Parente for A Strange Path.
Best Performance in an International Narrative Feature: Carlos Francisco for A Strange Path, (Brazil) - World Premiere. Jury comment: In a slate full of compelling performances, one radiated a magnetic realism. In a brief but essential turn, this actor balanced the nuances of humanity and demanded to be watched. We happily honor Carlos Francisco with Best Performance in an International Narrative Feature.
Best Screenplay in an International Narrative Feature: Guto Parente for A Strange Path, (Brazil) - World Premiere. Jury comment: A great screenplay is a combination of structure and poetry. Our award is going to a screenplay that gave us not only the grief of reconciliation but a joyful expression of absurdity.
Best Cinematography in an International Narrative Feature: Linga Ac cio for A Strange Path, (Brazil) - World Premiere. Jury comment: The Winner in this category blew us away with the strength of their visual force. Cinematography that illuminates the narrative with not only the natural beauty of the location, but the psychological landscape of the lead.
DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
Best Documentary Feature: Andrew H. Brown and Moses Thuranira for Between the Rains, (Kenya) - World Premiere. Jury comment: For craft, storytelling, impact - and above all a raw, elegant coming-of-age portrait of resilience that unanimously blew us away.
Best Cinematography in a Documentary Feature: Andrew H. Brown for Between the Rains, (Kenya) - World Premiere. Jury comment: Combining the patience and elegance of portraiture - with the immediacy of observational cinema verite - this cinematographer truly transported us into a rarely seen world.
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