Awards

• Narrative Feature: Origin
• Documentary Feature: American Symphony
• Narrative Short: Dreams of Home
• Documentary Short: Black Godfather of Scuba

• Narrative Feature: American Fiction
• Documentary Feature: No Ordinary Campaign
• Narrative Short: For the Moon
• Documentary Short: 1-15-41

Ava DuVernay
Honors an artist whose filmography has changed the course of modern cinema. 

Matthew Heineman
Recognizes the achievement of an exceptionally talented, creative, and compelling director.

Cord Jefferson
Celebrates a director who have achieved excellence with their directorial debut. 

Nikki Giovanni
Recognizes an artist who has been a force for positive change, both within the entertainment industry and beyond.

Nicole Newnham
Recognizes a documentary filmmaker who has demonstrated excellence, creative vision, and significant achievement in non-fiction filmmaking.

Kazu Hiro
Recognizes a distinguished and outstanding practitioner of behind-the-scenes film craft (Art Direction, Casting, Cinematography, Costume, Editing, Production Design, Sound Mix and Design). 

Ricardo Preve
Named for the Founder of the Virginia Film Festival, and 65th Governor of Virginia. Recognizes excellence in Virginia filmmaking and honors an exceptional filmmaker who has roots in Virginia or prominently spotlights Commonwealth locales, history, and culture in their work.