Daniela Brasil (Photo by Andree Smyth)

The Beverly Hills Film Festival wrapped up its celebration of independent film on Sunday evening as 200 guests gathered for the awards gala held at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills.

Over 50 films were screened during the 5 day long festival with nightly after-parties held around town at venues such as Voyeur, Hotel Palomar, and the Aqua Lounge. 

“Bad Penny” starring Bai Ling and Tom Arnold lived up to expectations winning the Golden Palm Award. 

“Chicago Eight”, which is based upon the court transcripts of anti-war protestors arrested at the 1968 Democratic Convention, particularly resonated with viewers thus winning the Audience Award. 

The film “Polish Bar” won the Jury Award for Best Feature and Best Actor went to Jud Hirsch for his role in the film. 

In the screenplay competition, “God’s Architect” written by Michael Mares was the recipient of the Golden Palm Screenplay Competition Award.
The Legacy Award was presented to famed actor Jon Voight who spoke of the continuing importance of film.  He said,
“We are in difficult times, but movies always are an important part of the economy, and they always lift us, especially films that impact truth”. 

“Conception” which features David Arquette did not come away with any awards, but definitely generated buzz after debuting on the festival’s opening night.

Members of this year’s jury included Steven Paul – President and CEO of Crystal Sky, Matt DelPiano of CAA, screenwriter Josef Rusnak, casting director Fern Champion, and the CEO of Film Finance Inc. – Steve Ranashoff.

Neon Tommy caught up with actors, writers, and patrons of the festival on the red carpet outside an after-party at the Sofitel in Beverly Hills which included a performance by samba dancer Daniela Brasil.

More information on the Beverly Hills Film Festival can be found on the organization’s website.

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