Outfest 2012: Full list of award winners

Special Programming Award for Freedom

I AM A WOMAN NOW, Directed by Michiel van Erp

For illuminating the stories of the first generation of transwomen who forged their paths with grace, courage, and fabulousness and the pioneering surgeon who changed history for transpeople everywhere, the Outfest Special Programming Award for Freedom goes to I AM A WOMAN NOW, directed by Michiel van Erp.

Special Programming Award for Artistic Achievement

SHE MALE SNAILS, Directed by Ester Martin Bergsmark

For its bold imagination, provocative storytelling, striking imagery and unshakable emotional impact, the Outfest Special Programming Award for Artistic Achievement goes to Ester Martin Bergsmark, director of SHE MALE SNAILS.

Special Programming Award for Emerging Talent

Marialy Rivas, Writer/Director

For crafting a stylistically fearless film to match the excitement, danger and chaos that can erupt with youthful sexual exploration, the Outfest Special Programming Award for Emerging Talent goes to Marialy Rivas, the writer/director of YOUNG & WILD.

Audience Award for Outstanding Documentary Short Film

A FORCE OF NATURE, Directed by Barbara Kopple

Audience Award for Outstanding Dramatic Short Film

THE FIRST DATE, Directed by Janella Lacson

Audience Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature Film

I STAND CORRECTED, Directed by Andrea Meyerson

Audience Award for Outstanding Dramatic Feature Film

ANY DAY NOW, Directed by Travis Fine

Audience Award for Outstanding First U.S. Dramatic Feature Film

Sponsored by HBO (cash prize of $5,000 from HBO)

MOSQUITA Y MARI, Directed by Aurora Guerrero

Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Documentary Short Film

THE DEVOTION PROJECT: MORE THAN EVER, Directed by Antony Osso.

For its sensitive portrayal of enduring love that spans seven decades, the Outfest 2012 Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Documentary Short Film goes to THE DEVOTION PROJECT: MORE THAN EVER, directed by Antony Osso.

Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Short Film

DOL (FIRST BIRTHDAY), Directed Andrew Ahn

For its honest exploration of the complexities of culture, family and relationships, the Outfest 2012 Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Short Film to DOL (FIRST BIRTHDAY), directed by Andrew Ahn.

Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature Film

WILDNESS, Directed by Wu Tsang

With beautiful cinematography, a vibrant score and poetic storytelling, this year’s winning documentary succeeded in taking on the complexities of class, culture and difference in a most timely and brave fashion. The Outfest 2012 Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature Film goes to WILDNESS, directed by Wu Tsang.

Grand Jury Award for Outstanding International Dramatic Feature Film

MY BROTHER THE DEVIL, Directed by Sally El Hosaini

For its taut narrative, sensitive interrogation of masculinity, excellent performances by an ensemble cast, and intense cinematic experience, the Outfest 2012 Grand Jury Award for Outstanding International Dramatic Feature Film goes to MY BROTHER THE DEVIL, directed by Sally El Hosaini.

Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film

Fenessa Pineda, MOSQUITA Y MARI

This actress brought nuance and subtlety to a fresh coming of age story. For beautifully capturing the fleeting moments of transition from innocence to curiosity to self-discovery, the Outfest 2012 Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Actress in a Feature Film goes to Fenessa Pineda in MOSQUITA Y MARI.

Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Actor in a Feature Film

Alan Cumming, ANY DAY NOW

For bringing depth, humor, fierce wit, and emotional integrity to a moving portrait of a man who unexpectedly finds a family and the strength to fight for it, the Outfest 2012 Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Actor in a Feature Film goes to Alan Cumming in ANY DAY NOW.

Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Screenwriting

Ira Sachs & Mauricio Zacharias, KEEP THE LIGHTS ON

For masterfully constructing an emotionally honest portrait of a relationship that spans the better part of a decade and artfully weaving the mundane and the momentous, the Outfest 2012 Grand Jury Award for Outstanding Screenwriting goes to Ira Sachs and Mauricio Zacharias for KEEP THE LIGHTS ON.

Grand Jury Award for Outstanding U.S. Dramatic Feature Film

KEEP THE LIGHTS ON, Directed by Ira Sachs

This film resonated with us for its confidence, complexity, and emotional intelligence. For taking us on a challenging but poetic journey through the landscape of a long-term relationship, the Outfest 2012 Grand Jury Award for Outstanding U.S. Dramatic Feature Film goes to KEEP THE LIGHTS ON, directed by Ira Sachs.