Registered in the Guiness Book of World Records as the "world's longest film festival", the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival reached its zenith this past weekend, with the announcement of its Jury and Audience Awards, as well as a Tribute Gala which paid homage to established and emerging talent.

On Sunday evening, at the La Playa Mediterranean Restaurant, the Festival presented JURIED AWARDS for films in competition. Members of the Jury included: Joe Amadea, Hart Sharp Video; Tony Segreto, NBC Anchor: Shane Eason, Instructor of Film, Florida Atlantic University; William Grefe, Independent Filmmaker; Susan Reilly, Director of the School of Communication & Multimedia Studies, Florida Atlantic University; Miles Forman, Independent Filmmaker; Mark Moormann, Independent Filmmaker; Dave Montalbano, Film Critic; Wil Shriner, Film Director and Monica Glass, Gen Art Miami.

JURIED AWARDS:

Best Film: VOLVER, written and directed by Pedro Almodovar
Best Doc : SHARKWATER, written, directed and shot by Rob Stewart
Best American Indie: THE BIG BAD SWIM, directed by Ishai Setton
Best Short: AVATAR, directed by Lluis Quilez
Best Director: David Wall for MRS WORTHINGTON'S PARTY
Best Screenplay: George Gallo for LOCAL COLOR
Best Cinematography: Michael Negrin for LOCAL COLOR
Best Actor: Joe Pantoliano for CANVAS
Best Actress: Monic Hendrickx for LEEF!
Best Low Budget Feature: DONSOL directed by Adolfo B. Alix Jr.
The FLIFF Humanitarian Award: SON OF MAN directed by Mark Dornford-May.

AUDIENCE FAVORITE AWARDS, voted on by the attending public were presented to the following:
Narrative Favorite: CANVAS, directed by Joe Greco
Documentary Favorite: SHARKWATER, directed by Rob Stewart
Short Film Favorite: MAN VS MONDAY, directed by Ian Ziering

The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival presents several tribute awards on Saturday evening during the FLIFF Uncorked! Gala at the Hollywood Westin Diplomatic Hotel. Honorees included:

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING: Mel Stuart
CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Actor Ernie Hudson
STAR ON THE HORIZON AWARD: Trevor Morgan (LOCAL COLOR)
BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE AWARD: Shiva Rose (DAVID & LAYLA)
RENAISSANCE AWARD: Writer/Director George Gallo (LOCAL COLOR)
THE FLORIDA AWARD: Writer/Director Joe Greco (CANVAS)
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Singer/Actress Connie Francis

Sandy Mandelberger
Online Festival Dailies Editor