Since its launch in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival has welcomed thousands of filmmakers to Orange County, Calif. On June 5, the festival will launch the inaugural counterpart: Newport Beach TV Fest. The four-day event will be held at the Lido Theater and The Port Theater in the coastal city, promising a “celebration of television artistry and creative achievements.”
Together, industry professionals will celebrate some of the top television shows of the year on broadcast and streaming, honoring the talent both in front of and behind the camera.
“Television has never been more dynamic, and as the landscape of storytelling continues to evolve, the Newport Beach TV Fest is a natural next step in our journey,” Gregg Schwenk, CEO and executive director of the Newport Beach Film Festival says. “For over 26 years, we’ve championed visionary filmmakers, and now, we’re proud to expand that mission to celebrate the craft and ingenuity of contemporary television. Our home of Newport Beach has long been a hub for creative excellence, and this TV Fest will cement its place as a premier destination for the industry’s brightest talent.”
Falling in the middle of Phase 1 of the Emmys season, the festival plans to bring “the largest gathering of Guild and Television Academy voters outside of Los Angeles or New York.” So it only makes sense that top contenders will be recognized.
Thursday evening will kick off at the Lido Theater with a live podcast recording with Kate Hudson, star and executive producer of Netflix’s “Running Point.” She will be presented with the TV Performance of the Year Award (Actress). The following night, Adam Brody will record a live podcast and be honored with the TV Performance of the Year Award (Actor) for his role in Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This.”
Saturday festivities begin with a “Cobra Kai” panel featuring Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Tanner Buchanan, Mary Mouser, along with creators Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg. Macchio will be honored with the Artist of Distinction Award for his part in the Netflix series.
Next, “Yellowjackets” cast members Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci and Sammi Hanratty will discuss their much buzzed-about Showtime series, after which its drama cast will receive the Outstanding Drama Ensemble Award.
Paramount+’s freshman hit “Landman” will be honored with the Outstanding Drama Series Award following a discussion Billy Bob Thornton, Andy Garcia, Ali Larter and Jacob Lofland. The night will end with a Breakout Award Panel, featuring Taylor Dearden of “The Pitt,” Patrick Schwarzenegger of “The White Lotus,” Brandon Sklenar of “1923,” Meg Stalter of “Hacks” and Chase Sui Wonders of “The Studio.”
Sunday events begin at noon with the Variety Creative Impact Award, presented to Jason Segel, followed by a discussion with the “Shrinking” actor, who also cocreated and executive produces the Apple TV+ comedy.
Later, the cast of ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” will receive the Outstanding Comedy Ensemble Award. The panel will feature Quinta Brunson, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, William Stanford Davis and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Next is a live podcast discussion with Dan Fogelman, best known as the creator and writer of Hulu’s “Paradise” and NBC’s “This Is Us.” “Paradise” actor Julianne Nicholson will then present Fogelman with Showrunner of the Year Award.
The day will wrap with a live podcast discussion with Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell, who will be given the Supporting Performance of the Year Award for his scene-stealing work on HBO’s “The White Lotus.”
variety.com
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