Awards

  • VAFF 2023

    Audience Award Winners

  • American Fiction

    Programmers’ Award Winners

  • Origin

    Visionary Award

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

  • American Symphony

    Directorial Achievement Award

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

  • American Fiction

    Breakthrough Director Award

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

  • Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project

    Changemaker Award

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

  • The Power of Media, Storytelling, and The Muppets of Sesame Street

    Chronicler Award

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

  • Maestro

    Craft Award

    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). 

  • Sometime, Somewhere

    Governor Gerald L. Baliles Founder’s Award

    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.