The Beyond Hollywood International Film Festival (BHIFF) unveiled its winners at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, on Saturday with James Pratt winning Best Actor for his role in the new feature film Malibu Crush, Ava Cantrell won Best Actress for her performance in Twenty-Two, and Michael Schilf won Best Director for The Fixer.
The star-studded festival saw a record number of entries from around the world, with finalists announced on 18 May 2022.
Mr Pratt’s lead role of Michael Chase in Malibu Crush has garnered worldwide attention ahead of its release in five weeks. The indie comedy secured U.S. and Canadian distribution through Cardinal XD Media, and Bounty Films in Australia and New Zealand.
“It was a real pleasure to be among the festival’s winners and be a part of it,” Pratt said. “Michael Chase was a fun role. He pretends to be a highly acclaimed film student to impress an ex-girlfriend. Malibu Crush featured many talented people.”
Another big winner of the night was Bonnie McKee for Best Short Film, Best Composer, and Best First Time Filmmaker. She wrote, directed, and starred in April Kills the Vibe.
BHIFF also honored Marathon Mindset for Best Feature and Best Comedy, The Invitation for Best Horror, Killing Georgia Jones for Best Thriller, and There’s No End for Best Documentary.