Awards season is already underway in Hollywood, with the ASTRAS kicking off what is sure to be an exciting time of celebration for our favorite films of the year. The ASTRAS for both Creative Arts, Television and Film were held on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at the beautiful Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, California. The awards show is put on by the Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA), a membership based non-profit organization comprised of critics, entertainment journalists, content creators, actors, directors and industry influencers.
A highlight of the night was a double win for Jon M. Chu who directed one of the biggest films of the year, Wicked. After accepting his award for Best Director, he was immediately called back to the stage to accept for Best Picture. Upon receiving his awards, Chu said, “The human eye made this movie. It was nothing a computer dreamed up. That is a celebration of cinema.” He thanked his wife and 5 kids, sharing that 3 were born during the making of Wicked – then joking they all had different moms. He dug himself in deeper saying, “I’m kidding, but you never know after tonight. Oh gosh, why’d I say that!” He had the audience in stitches, but quickly brough it back to the heart, sharing that “directing is the privilege of my life. I love this art form. This may be the only directing award I ever win, so I am thrilled.” Based on the buzz Wicked is getting, time will certainly tell, but with his love for the industry, his magic of moviemaking and his humble kindness, it’s likely Chu has many more awards with his name on them.
Actress Jennifer Esposito was awarded the Filmmaker on the Rise honor for Fresh Kills, while actress Monica Barbaro won her first ever acting award, for Breakthrough Performance. Filmmaker Mike Flanagan, who won Best Series Director, for The Fall of the House of Usher, said “as long as there are storytellers, there is hope. Storytelling can change the world. It doesn’t happen quickly, but it certainly can happen.” That statement is a testament to the power of Hollywood. Film and television don’t just occupy our screens for entertainment, they teach us lessons, offer inspiration and provide guidance and counsel.
As host of the 2024 ASTRAS, Loni Love thanked everyone for attending, stating, “awards are currency. They are important because people work really hard on these projects. To have success and acknowledgement for these projects warms my heart.” Awards certainly do provide validity as feedback on a job well done, but they are often the star on top of the Christmas tree – after sometimes years of work goes into make a film or TV project come to life. Monica Barbaro, who won Breakthrough Performance made an important point during her acceptance speech: “There are actually many breakthrough moments throughout your career. All of these moments are the result of stepping out of your comfort zone, taking risks and continuing to persevere. Don’t forget to recognize what you have accomplished along the way. Then it will just be extra special when someone else recognizes it.” Kate Gersten, who won for The Last Showgirl, and was accompanied by the films stars Kiernan Shipka and Brenda Song wouldsurely agree. She shared that she started writing the film over a decade ago. These projects are the passions of those who create them and whether an award is won one year or one decade later, or just simply acknowledged with a nomination, it’s clear the real win is being able to share them with audiences.
Watch the 2024 ASTRAS, presented by KNEKT.TV here.
See all the 2024 ASTRA winners for Film, TV and Creative Arts here.
To learn more about the ASTRAS, visit theastras.com. For more information on the Hollywood Creative Alliance, visit hollywoodcreative.org.
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