The 51st Student Academy Awards have unveiled their medalists, highlighting emerging talent in the film industry. During a prestigious ceremony at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognized outstanding student filmmakers from colleges and universities across the globe.
This year’s medalists were acknowledged for their remarkable work in four categories: Alternative/Experimental, Animation, Documentary, and Narrative. The winners include Birdy Wei-Ting Hung from San Francisco State University, who took home the Gold in Alternative/Experimental for “A Brighter Summer Day for the Lady Avengers.” Dori Walker from Brown University garnered the Silver for “In Living Memory,” while Akshit Kumar from the National Institute of Design in India received Bronze for his film “bonVoyage pour monVoyage.”
In the Animation category, the Gold Medal was awarded to the trio of Florian Maurice, Maxime Foltzer, and Estelle Bonnardel for their project “Au Revoir Mon Monde,” produced at France’s MoPA 3D Animation School. Kei Kanamori from Digital Hollywood University in Japan won Silver for “Origami,” and Spencer Baird from Brigham Young University earned Bronze with “Student Accomplice.”
The Documentary category saw Hannah Rafkin from the School of Visual Arts take home the Gold for “Keeper.” Aaron Johnson from Chapman University was awarded Silver for “The 17%,” and Rishabh Raj Jain from New York University received the Bronze for “A Dream Called Khushi (Happiness).”
In the Narrative category, Gold went to Pavel Sýkora and Viktor Horák from the Filmová Akademie Miroslava Ondříčka v Písku in the Czech Republic for “The Compatriot.” Jens Kevin Georg from Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF in Germany secured Silver with “Crust,” while Robin Wang from the University of Southern California captured Bronze for “Neither Donkey nor Horse.”
Notably, this year marks the first-time wins for the National Institute of Design, Digital Hollywood University, and the Filmová Akademie Miroslava Ondříčka, showcasing a diverse set of emerging filmmakers. The winners’ films are eligible for consideration at the 97th Academy Awards in the categories of Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, or Documentary Short Film.
The Student Academy Awards have been empowering young filmmakers since 1972, providing critical opportunities to showcase their talent and creativity within the industry. This year’s ceremony underscored the importance of fostering new voices in cinema.