The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the winners of the 50th Student Academy Awards, marking a significant milestone in the celebrated International Student Film Competition. This year, the competition received an impressive 2,443 entries from 720 colleges and universities around the world, showcasing the tremendous talent emerging from the student filmmaking community.
The 2023 winners will join the ranks of renowned alumni, including illustrious filmmakers such as Patricia Cardoso, Pete Docter, Spike Lee, Patricia Riggen, and Robert Zemeckis, who have all been recipients of the esteemed Student Academy Award® in the past.
In the Alternative/Experimental category, Leo Behrens from the American Film Institute was recognized for his exceptional film “Skin.” The Animation category witnessed three outstanding winners: Gabriel Augerai, Romain Augier & Yannick Jacquin from École des Nouvelles Images (France) for their film “Boom,” César Luton, Achille Pasquier & Clémence Bailly from MoPA 3D Animation School (France) for “Diplomatie de l’Éclipse,” and Lisa Kenney from the National Film and Television School (United Kingdom) for “Mum’s Spaghetti.”
The Documentary category showcased the incredible work of three winners. Lyuwei Chen from New York University presented “Duet,” Jean Chapiro from Columbia University mesmerized with “Hasta Encontrarlos (Till We Find Them),” and Giorgio Ghiotto, also from New York University, portrayed a captivating story in “Wings of Dust.”
In the Narrative category, three exceptional films stood out. Mark Gerstorfer from Filmakademie Wien (Austria) has impressed with “Invisible Border,” Iain Aigin Stronach Forbes from Den Norske Filmskolen (Norway) amazed with “Revisited,” and Tamara Denić from Hamburg Media School (Germany) captivated the audiences with “Istina (Truth).“
For the first time, École des Nouvelles Images from France was awarded a prestigious honour. This achievement further highlights the international reach and calibre of talent showcased in the Student Academy Awards.
The Student Academy Award-winning films from all categories now qualify for consideration in the Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, or Documentary Short Film categories at the 2023 Oscars. These awards have proven to be a stepping stone for success, with past winners receiving a total of 67 Oscar® nominations and winning or sharing 12 awards.
The winners will be honoured during an in-person award ceremony at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills on Tuesday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m. The much-anticipated event will reveal each category’s gold, silver, and bronze medal placements.
Excitingly, the 50th Student Academy Awards ceremony will be open to the public, offering a unique opportunity for film enthusiasts and industry professionals to witness the celebration of young and emerging talent. However, advance tickets are required and can be obtained online at oscars.org starting today. The Samuel Goldwyn Theater, located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, will be the venue for this momentous occasion.
The Student Academy Awards were established in 1972 with the purpose of providing a platform for emerging talent from around the world to showcase their work and gain recognition within the film industry. Today, they continue to serve as a springboard for promising filmmakers, connecting them with industry professionals and peers alike.
As the 96th Oscars approach, the anticipation builds for these talented student filmmakers, as they now have the opportunity to take their rightful place among the world’s most revered storytellers. The Academy recognizes and celebrates the art of moviemaking in all its forms, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation. With an unwavering commitment to preserving cinematic history and engaging global audiences, the Academy stands as a beacon, illuminating the past, present, and future of the ever-evolving world of cinema.