2018 Woodstock Film Festival Maverick Awards

Group of people on stage at the 19th annual Woodstock Film Festival, some holding awards, with a large colorful poster in the background and a clear podium on the right side.

HONORARY MAVERICK AWARD

Julie Taymor smiling while signing a piece of artwork at an event, with a trophy in front of her, background features sponsor logos, 2018

Honorary Maverick Award was presented by Harry Lennix to Julie Taymor.

Julie Taymor received the Honorary Maverick Award. In addition to receiving the award, the Woodstock Film Festival will have a Special Tribute Screening of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, followed by a Q&A with director Julie Taymor and composer Elliot Goldenthal.

FILMMAKER AWARD OF DISTINCTION

Filmmaker Award of Distinction was presented by Molly Thompson and Alex Gibney to Matthew Heineman.

Matthew Heineman received the Filmmaker Award of Distinction. In addition to receiving the award, the Woodstock Film Festival’s closing night film is Heineman's debut feature narrative, A PRIVATE WAR.

GIGANTIC PICTURES AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE NARRATIVE

WHEELS
Directed by Paul Starkman

A man holding an award in his right hand and a trophy in his left, walking on stage at an event with two women in the background, one wearing a black leather jacket.

“We chose Wheels because it beautifully explores the powerfully precarious choices that brothers make that impact their lives and all of their relationships forever. Stunningly told and poignantly acted with depth and candor wheels stood out in a thrilling year of Woodstock film selections. It explores the fine line between constructive and instantly destructive decisions and their impact on our lives- in an instant everything changes.”

A Special Award for ensemble cast went to John Stimpson for GHOST LIGHT.

Jury:

Catherine Curtin
Lori Singer
Carter Logan

Honorable Mention:

SPELL
Directed by Brendan Walter

BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

Sponsored by Films We LIke

THE FEELING OF BEING WATCHED
Directed by Assia Boundaoui

Three people wearing hooded garments walking together in a parking lot.

Jury:

Richard Rowley
Susan Margolin
Joe Berlinger

Honorable Mention:

PERSONAL STATEMENT
Directed by Juliane Dressner and Edwin Martinez

ULTRA INDIE AWARD

Sponsored by Gray, Krauss, Stratford, Sandler, Des Rochers, LLP and Blackmagic Design

SOCRATES
Directed by Alex Moratto

A young man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a blue jacket, standing in front of a backdrop with various sponsor logos, holding a silver award shaped like a peace symbol.

Alex Moratto

HASKELL WEXLER AWARD FOR BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Sponsored by Panavision

SPELL
Cinematography by Eric Bader
Directed by Brendan Walter

Poster for the film 'Spell' featuring a bearded man with glasses, long hair, and a red jacket, with a yellow and pink background.

“Choosing a single film in this category was not easy. There’s been an explosion of great cinematography this year, and all of the films considered for the cinematography award stood out.

But the cinematography in this particular film is resonant, drawn with a deft touch. It is consistent and well crafted. The color palette and the choice of shots and lenses allow us a proximity to the characters, which aptly draws us into the drama and plays on our expectations, our emotions as viewers.”

Jury:

Ellen Kuras