The Gotham Film & Media Institute celebrated the best in independent film and media at the prestigious 34th edition of The Gothams, held at the iconic Cipriani Wall Street. This annual ceremony, which has become a hallmark event in the film industry, draws attention not just for its awards but also for its commitment to supporting independent filmmakers.

The event was a star-studded affair, featuring prominent figures from the film industry, including actors, directors, producers, and other creative talents. Attendees flocked to the elegant venue, which was adorned with stunning decorations that reflected the glamour of the cinematic arts.

During the ceremony, various awards were presented, highlighting outstanding achievements in categories such as Best Feature, Best Documentary, and Best Performance. The winners were lauded for their creativity, innovation, and significant contributions to the world of film and media. This year’s winners included a mix of both emerging talent and established names, showcasing the diversity and richness of storytelling in modern cinema.

Zendaya received the Spotlight Tribute for her magnetic performance as Tashi Donaldson in the Luca Guadagnino-directed film Challengers. Timothée Chalamet and James Mangold received the Visionary Tribute for their groundbreaking collaboration on A Complete Unknown, the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic. Angelina Jolie received the Performer Tribute for her rendition of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larrain’s upcoming film Maria. Franklin Leonard and his company, the Black List, the platform dedicated to nurturing written storytelling and empowering writers to maximize their professional potential, received The Gotham Anniversary Tribute. Denis Villeneuve received The Gotham Director Tribute for his remarkable world-building and storytelling prowess in Dune: Part Two. The talented cast of The Piano Lesson, which includes Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts, Corey Hawkins, and Erykah Badu, received the Ensemble Tribute for their captivating chemistry and artistry. 

The Gotham also announced the winners of its sixth annual Focus Features & JetBlue Student Short Film Showcase Ethan Herisse and KiKi Layne. The five winning filmmakers were Nicole Chi (Los Mosquitos, The University of Texas at Austin), a Costa Rican-Chinese writer, director, and producer; Reem Jubran (Don’t Be Long, Little Bird, University of California, Los Angeles), a Palestinian filmmaker and artist based in California; Sujin Jung (Cocoon, Loyola Marymount University) is an LA-based writer-director originally from Gyeonggi-do province, Korea; Calleen Koh (My Wonderful Life, California Institute of the Arts), a Singaporean BAFTA-nominated animation filmmaker, writer, and artist; and Eva Steinmetz (Marina, Temple University) is a Philadelphia-based theater director, filmmaker, and educator, creating new works that straddle the ordinary and extraordinary.

In addition to the awards, the Gotham Film & Media Institute emphasized its ongoing mission to promote and nurture independent filmmakers through various initiatives and programs. Their commitment to fostering new voices in film is essential for the continued vibrancy of the industry and its ability to reflect varied human experiences.

The ceremony concluded with heartfelt speeches from the winners, each sharing their personal journeys and the challenges they faced in bringing their projects to life. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and celebration, marking yet another successful year for The Gothams and reinforcing New York City’s status as a pivotal hub for film and media.

As the night came to a close, attendees left Cipriani Wall Street with a renewed sense of inspiration and anticipation for the future of independent cinema. The Gotham Film & Media Institute continues to be a driving force in the industry, championing stories that deserve to be told.

Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute )

(Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute )