40th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Announces Professional Film Award Winners
The 40th Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) proudly announces the winners of its prestigious Professional Film Awards, recognizing excellence in filmmaking, performance, and artistic achievement from around the world.
This milestone year celebrates four decades of cinematic storytelling, honoring visionary filmmakers, compelling performances, and groundbreaking creative talent across multiple categories.
“As we celebrate 40 years of FLIFF, these awards reflect the extraordinary power of storytelling and the global creative community that continues to inspire audiences in South Florida and beyond,” said Lisa Grigorian, President & CEO of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. “We are proud to recognize both emerging voices and established artists whose work moves, challenges, and connects us through the art of film.”
**PROFESSIONAL FILM AWARDS**
Best Film
Words of War
Best Foreign Film
The Spell of Forever
Director: Ryan Zheng
Best American Indie
Legend of Juan Jose Mundo
Director: Michael Walker
Best Florida Film
News Without a Newsroom
Director: Oana Martisca
Best Documentary
Uvalde Mom
Director: Anayansi Prado
Best Documentary
My Underground Mother
Director: Marisa Fox
Best Florida Documentary
Inside the Oasis
Director: Andy Perrott
Best Director
James Strong for Words of War
Best Cinematographer
Oliver Shaw for Aftershocks
Best Editor
Pablo Proenza for Uvalde Mom
Best Musical Score
Tone P. for Immutable
Best Music
Kishi Bashi for California Scenario
President’s Award
Mr. Goalie
Director: Ryan McInerney
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
Best Actor
Roque Ruiz for A Walk Along the Borne
Best Actor
Jason Isaacs for Words of War
Best Actor
Vladimir Vdovichenkov for License to Love
Best Actress
Tricia Helfer for Hello Beautiful
Outstanding Performance
Youssef Bougerra for Autisto
Best Supporting Actress
Cao Yang for The Spell of Forever
Best Supporting Actress
Brooklynn Prince for California Scenario
SPECIAL HONORS
Lifetime Achievement Award
Chevy Chase
Lifetime Achievement Award
Paul Reiser
Career Achievement Award
Garrett Clayton for Our Family Pride
Star on the Horizon
Alexandro Byrd for Legend of Juan Jose Mundo
Star on the Horizon
Flamingo Garden’s Sabal (Special Guest Star)
Audience Favorite Award – Mr. Goalie
As FLIFF marks its 40th anniversary, the festival continues its legacy of championing bold storytelling, independent voices, and cinematic excellence from Florida and around the globe.
For more information about the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, upcoming screenings, and special events, please visit www.fliff.com.
Please add that Submissions for FLIFFShorts are open March 1 – September 10th, 2026 on FilmFreeway at https://filmfreeway.com/FLIFFShorts . The festival will be held November 5th through the 8th at Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale.