Train Dreams directed by Clint Bentley took the Audience Award for Narrative Feature at the 14th annual Sun Valley Film Festival along with along with Best Performance in a Film Award for Joel Edgerton.
Bentley accepted the award on behalf of Joel Edgerton, who, in the film plays Robert Grainier, a logger and railroad worker in the rapidly-changing America of the early 20th Century.
Ask E. Jean, directed by Ivy Meeropol won the Audience Award for Documentary Feature. It follows the life and career of E. Jean Carroll and her legal battles against Donald Trump.
Natchez, directed by Suzannah Herbert received the One in a Million Award, presented to a feature length film made for under one million dollars. The documentary explores Natchez, Mississippi, which relies on controversial antebellum tourism to survive.
Festival highlights included Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gus Van Sant receiving the Vision Award, Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar receiving the Disruptor Award presented by Deadline, Patrick Schwarzenegger receiving the Rising Star Award, and Ondi Timoner receiving the Impact Award.
The festival took place from December 3-7, screening 16 narrative and documentary features and 32 shorts.
The full list of award winners is as follows:
SVFF 2025 Award Winners
Best Performance in a Film Award – This is presented to an actor with a film screening in the festival.
WINNER: Joel Edgerton, Train Dreams
Audience Award Winners
NARRATIVE FEATURE WINNER: Train Dreams, directed by Clint Bentley
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE WINNER: Ask E. Jean, directed by Ivy Meeropol
SHORT WINNER: Go Forward, directed by Peter Cambor
1 Potato Short Screenplay Competition – A production grant for emerging U.S. filmmakers to create short narrative or documentary films entirely in Idaho.
WINNER: FeatherCover written by Collin Insley
One in a Million Award
WINNER: Natchez, directed by Suzannah Herbert
The Gem State Award – The best short film made in Idaho. The films in the Idaho Shorts program are eligible for this award.
WINNER: Trivial Pursuit directed by Richard Pathomsiri, Eve Weston, and Martin McGreevy
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.