The 31st Stony Brook Film Festival has announced its 2026 Festival Awards, with the top Jury Award for Best Feature going to A Mosquito in the Ear, directed by Nicola Rinciari.
Although unable to attend the ceremony, Rinciari commented, “This film was made with so much love by an extraordinary cast and crew, and I’m deeply grateful to the jury for recognizing our work. Thank you to the entire festival team for welcoming us so warmly and for creating a space where independent films can connect with audiences in such a meaningful way.”
The Festival jury presented the rare Jury Award for Directing, an honor bestowed only a handful of times throughout the Festival’s 31-year history, to Danny Madden for Downbeat. Unable to attend the ceremony, Madden sent a statement, saying, “A directing award means a lot on this film, as the directing here also includes cinematography, editing, and sound design…. Thanks for having us, and for this recognition.”
The Spirit of Independent Filmmaking Award was presented to Richie James Follen, director of Crystal Cross, who reflected on the Festival experience during the awards ceremony:
“Going into a theater this big, I was very anxious, but it was the most people that this film ever screened to, and it was warmly received, and I’m so grateful. We made this movie with no money, so hopefully this Festival will inspire the powers that be to give money to make more movies like this.”
In a rare outcome, the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature ended in a tie between Anne Packard: An Artist’s Resolve and Hungarian Wedding. Producer Stephen Kaiser-Pendergrast (Anne Packard: An Artist’s Resolve) and Director Csaba Káel (Hungarian Wedding) were both in attendance to accept their awards.
“Every year, this Festival gets better and better because the quality of the films selected continues to improve,” said Alan Inkles, Director of the Stony Brook Film Festival. “This year’s Festival featured one of the strongest lineups of American independent films we’ve ever presented, while also celebrating extraordinary filmmakers from around the globe. I’m incredibly grateful to our selection committee and to the filmmaking community for entrusting us with these remarkable films and for continuing to tell stories that deserve to be seen and shared.”
Short Film Awards
The Opening Night Short Film Award was presented to The Doorman, with director Lily Ghazaryan
The Audience Choice Award for Best Short was presented to This Conversation Has Been Removed, directed by Andrew Nolan and written by Mark Hennigan.
The Jury Award for Best Short was presented to Francine, East-West, with director Elvira Barboza accepting the award in person.
Feature Film Awards
The Audience Choice Award for Best Feature ended in a tie between Anne Packard: An Artist’s Resolve and Hungarian Wedding.
The Jury Award for Directing was presented to Danny Madden for Downbeat.
The Jury Award for Best Feature was presented to A Mosquito in the Ear, directed by Nicola Rinciari.
The Spirit of Independent Filmmaking Award was presented to Richie James Follen, director of Crystal Cross
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