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NewFest, the annual LGBTQ+ film festival held in New York, has officially announced its award recipients for .

We are pleased to present the recipients acknowledged by both the festival jury and the audience of . The jury consisted of prominent figures from the LGBTQ+ community, including creatives, allies, filmmakers, artists, activists, journalists, and professionals in the entertainment industry.

The prestigious Grand Jury Award for U.S. Narrative Feature was conferred upon the trans neo-noir thriller Ponyboi. This work was penned and produced by NewFest alum River Gallo, who also stars alongside notable actors such as Dylan O’Brien, Victoria Pedretti, Murray Bartlett, and Indya Moore. Gallo’s short film from , which serves as the foundation for this feature, garnered the grand prize awarded by the New York Short jury at NewFest.

The esteemed 'Master of Suspense’ provides a narration for his own film segments in the video titled 'My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock.’

In a collective statement, the jurors for the U.S. Narrative Feature category—comprising creative executive Sarah Flores, filmmaker Vuk Lingulov-Klotz, and author Geena Rocero—remarked, “This film represents a significant achievement in humanistic storytelling at its finest. This year, we have selected 'Ponyboi’ for its exquisite writing, exceptional performances, and remarkable cinematic narrative. The film artfully combines personal storytelling that showcases River Gallo’s individual journey while seamlessly integrating elements of a daring and engaging thriller.

The Grand Jury Ad for International Narrative Feature was aded to Marcelo Caetano’s romantic drama Baby, which marked its North American debut at the festival.

In the Documentary/Nonfiction category, the jury, composed of journalist Mathew Rodriguez, film programmer and arts administrator Lu Linares, along with filmmaker Gian Cassini, conferred the Grand Jury Ad upon the non-fiction musical Reas.

The th iteration of The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival showcased projects, illustrating that queer cinema is thriving and increasingly diverse, stated the Director of NewFest.

Nick McCarthy, along with Senior Programmer and Jury Manager Murtada Elfadl, remarked, “The recipients of the jury awards highlight the diverse narratives within our community as well as the exceptional quality of cinema. We extend our gratitude to our distinguished jurors and the sponsors of these awards for their dedication and invaluable insights. We commend the winners—and all our filmmakers—for continuing the rich tradition of communal spirit and high-caliber filmmaking at NewFest. Cheers to the queer community!”

Additionally, NewFest announced that Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning Colman Domingo will receive the Voice & Visibility Award in recognition of his remarkable legacy and ongoing contributions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this year’s New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival has once again proven to be a vibrant celebration of queer storytelling, showcasing the rich tapestry of diverse voices and narratives that define contemporary cinema. With the Grand Jury Awards recognizing standout works like Marcelo Caetano’s enchanting romantic drama *Baby* and the insightful documentary *Reas*, the festival not only honors exceptional artistry but also reflects the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ narratives. As we move forward, it’s clear that platforms like NewFest play a crucial role in amplifying these important stories, ensuring that queer cinema continues to flourish and inspire audiences around the world. We eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this dynamic community of filmmakers and storytellers.