2026 Best of Fest Winners
BEST PICTURE FEATURE FILM
The Caretaker | Directed By Luke Teddar (UNITED KINGDOM)
BEST PICTURE SHORT FILM
LUCY'S LAST SONG | Directed By Raul Rosco Guerrero (US)
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM
Nothing to See Here: Watts | Directed By Michael Soenen (US)
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
Post Traumatic Growth: A Southwest Story | Directed By Michael Wm. Marks (US)
BEST DRAMA FEATURE
Chinese Whispers | Directed By Deborah Hadfield (UNITED KINGDOM)
BEST DRAMA SHORT
LUCY'S LAST SONG | Directed By Raul Rosco Guerrero (US)
BEST COMEDY FEATURE
J Double O | Directed By Hubert Boorder (CANADA)
BEST COMEDY SHORT
Game Night – Uno | Directed By Daniel Joseph Ford (US)
BEST HORROR FEATURE
The Caretaker | Directed By Luke Tedder (UNITED KINGDOM)
BEST HORROR SHORT
Come the Nightfall | Directed By Tom Michaels (US)
BEST THRILLER FEATURE
Do You See Her? | Directed By Matthew Villescas (US)
BEST THRILLER SHORT
This Is Book Club | Directed By Robyn Okrant (US)
BEST ANIMATION
Vita Nova | Directed By Dmytro Zavora (UKRAINE)
BEST DIRECTOR FEATURE
Luke Tedder for The Caretaker (UNITED KINGDOM)
BEST DIRECTOR SHORT
Riley Robbins for Where The Shadows Wait (US)
BEST 1ST TIME DIRECTOR FEATURE
Danny L Lee for Perpetual Love (US)
BEST 1ST TIME DIRECTOR SHORT
Jonathan Andrew Nettleton for The Christmas Hitlist (US)
BEST ACTOR FEATURE
Ben Probert for The Caretaker (UNITED KINGDOM)
BEST ACTOR SHORT
Robert Craighead for LUCY'S LAST SONG (US)
BEST ACTRESS FEATURE
Jacquie Bonnet for TIMINGS (US)
BEST ACTRESS SHORT
Brea Bee for LUCY'S LAST SONG (US)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR FEATURE
Eric Roberts for Family Hug (US)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR SHORT
Jonathan Stephens for Where The Shadows Wait (US)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS FEATURE
Kait Dieppa for TIMINGS (US)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS SHORT
Marilyn Bass for Come Out, Wherever You Are (US)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY FEATURE
Jack Peter Mundy for Chinese Whispers (UNITED KINGDOM)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY SHORT
Anh Vo for Come Out, Wherever You Are (US)
BEST EDITING FEATURE
Ömer Erkam Karakaya for Kulyas 2: Zikr-i Ayin (TURKEY & US)
BEST EDITING SHORT
Nick Rose for Sugar Dumplin (CANADA)
BEST SCORE FEATURE
Michael Seth Cudd for Perpetual Love (US)
BEST SCORE SHORT
Dylan Gouze for Night of Resolutions (CANADA)
BEST STUDENT FILM
Hot August | Directed By Emily Shupe (US)
The 2026 Crown Point International Film Festival Best of Fest Awards brought together an extraordinary collection of filmmakers, storytellers, actors, writers, and artists from around the world. This year's nominees represented some of the finest independent films submitted from more than 60 countries, showcasing the creativity, passion, and dedication that continue to drive independent cinema forward.
Each nominated film demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and a unique artistic voice. From powerful dramas and compelling documentaries to inspiring animations, thought-provoking shorts, and innovative genre films, the talent on display this year was truly remarkable.
On behalf of the entire Crown Point International Film Festival team, we extend our sincere congratulations to every nominee. Being selected among this year's Best of Fest honorees is a significant achievement and a testament to the hard work, vision, and perseverance required to bring a film to life.
We are honored to have shared in celebrating your accomplishments and grateful to the filmmakers, cast members, crews, and supporters who make independent filmmaking possible. Your stories continue to inspire audiences, spark conversations, and remind us of the power of cinema to connect people across cultures and communities.
Congratulations to all of our nominees and winners. We look forward to seeing where your creative journeys lead next.
