Comedian, writer, and actor Joel Kim Booster is perhaps best known for writing and starring in the breakout hit Fire Island (PIFF 2022), for which he received two Emmy nominations along with a “Best First Screenplay” nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Tag: Next Wave Award
2023 – JULIO TORRES
Julio Torres is an Emmy-nominated and WGA-winning writer. His work on “Saturday Night Live” garnered four Emmy nominations and he’s performed stand-up on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” as well as “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” In 2017, Julio headlined his first solo hour at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, “My Favorite Shapes: By Julio Torres” to rave reviews, and which became… Continue reading 2023 – JULIO TORRES
2023 – MEGAN STALTER
Standout comedian and actress Megan Stalter is known for her hilarious breakout performance as Kayla in the Emmy Award-winning series “Hacks” with Jean Smart. In 2020, The New York Times critic Jason Zinoman declared her “sketch comedy’s newest star.” In addition to her current starring role in the PIFF 2023 Opening Night film CORA BORA, she appears… Continue reading 2023 – MEGAN STALTER
2022 – JENNY SLATE
Hailing from Milton, MA, critically-acclaimed actress, comedian, and New York Times bestselling author Jenny Slate is one of the most versatile creators in Hollywood. Slate was a standout cast member of Saturday Night Live from 2013-2015, and quickly transitioned to television and film work, making her feature film debut in 2014 in the award-winning Obvious… Continue reading 2022 – JENNY SLATE
2022 – BOWEN YANG
Bowen Yang wrote for Saturday Night Live for one season before bursting onto the scene with breakout performances as a cast member, including instantly viral skits like “The Iceberg That Sank The Titanic” and ”Trade Daddy.” In what seemed like a blink of the eye, Yang landed an Emmy nomination and a spot on Time… Continue reading 2022 – BOWEN YANG
2021 – NATALIE MORALES
Natalie Morales is a highly talented actor, director, writer, and activist. Her directorial debut LANGUAGE LESSONS premiered this year at the Berlinale followed by SXSW, where it won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature and can be seen here at PIFF. Natalie also directed the recent Hulu film PLAN B, which was released in… Continue reading 2021 – NATALIE MORALES
2020 – MYA TAYLOR
Independent Spirit Award-winning actress Mya Taylor (TANGERINE) will be honored with the Festival’s Next Wave Award in a special conversation with together with award-winning filmmaker, PJ Raval (CALL HER GANDA). The Next Wave Award recognizes artists who have exciting and distinctive voices, take artistic risks, and have a passionate commitment to independent film. Past honorees… Continue reading 2020 – MYA TAYLOR
2019 – JILLIAN BELL
Actress and producer Jillian Bell (BRITTANY RUNS A MARATHON, SWORD OF TRUST) will receive the festival’s third annual “Next Wave Award,” which recognizes those who have exciting and distinctive voices, take artistic risks, and have a passionate commitment to independent film. Bell will be in attendance to accept the award in conversation and in support… Continue reading 2019 – JILLIAN BELL
2018 – CHLOË GRACE MORETZ
Chloë Grace Moretz is an American actress. She began acting as a child, with early roles in the supernatural horror film The Amityville Horror, the drama series Desperate Housewives, the supernatural horror film The Eye, the drama film The Poker House, the drama series Dirty Sexy Money, the romantic comedy film 500 Days of Summer,… Continue reading 2018 – CHLOË GRACE MORETZ
2017 – AUBREY PLAZA (Inaugural Honoree)
To steal a phrase from Jerry Maguire, Aubrey Plaza had us at hello. With what must be a natural-born gift for comedy, honed by years with the Upright Citizens Brigade and stand-up, Plaza’s talent is truly one-of-a-kind. That she uses her talents for good only makes her more special. To millions, she’s the apathetic and… Continue reading 2017 – AUBREY PLAZA (Inaugural Honoree)