A distinguished panel of entertainment industry figures has selected the recipients of a major filmmaking honor for 2025. On Thursday, filmmakers Karishma Dev Dube and MG Evangelista received the grand prize from a jury featuring several prominent actresses and a filmmaker.
The jury panel consisted of actresses Kaitlyn Dever, Meghann Fahy, Allison Janney, Issa Rae, and Jenny Slate, alongside filmmaker Payal Kapadia. The diverse group of jurors represents various sectors of the entertainment industry, from television to independent film.
Notable Jury Composition
The jury brings together talent from across the entertainment spectrum. Allison Janney, known for her Emmy-winning performances and Oscar win for “I, Tonya,” served alongside rising stars like Kaitlyn Dever, who gained recognition for her roles in “Unbelievable” and “Booksmart.”
Meghann Fahy, who received acclaim for her work in “The White Lotus,” participated alongside Issa Rae, the creator and star of “Insecure” who has become a major force in Hollywood as an actor, writer, and producer.
Jenny Slate, known for her voice work in animation and performances in independent films, rounded out the acting contingent. Payal Kapadia, an award-winning filmmaker from India, brought a director’s perspective to the deliberations.
The Winning Filmmakers
Karishma Dev Dube and MG Evangelista emerged as the grand prize recipients for 2025. Dube has previously gained recognition for her short film work, including “Bittu,” which was shortlisted for an Academy Award. Her storytelling often explores social issues through intimate character studies.
MG Evangelista has built a reputation for innovative visual approaches and narrative techniques that challenge conventional filmmaking. The collaboration between these two creative voices likely presented the jury with work that demonstrated exceptional artistic merit.
While specific details about their winning project remain limited, the selection by such a high-profile jury signals significant recognition for their creative vision and execution.
Industry Impact
This award represents more than just recognition for the filmmakers—it often comes with financial support and industry connections that can help advance careers and projects. For emerging filmmakers like Dube and Evangelista, such prizes can provide:
- Financial backing for future projects
- Increased visibility within the industry
- Access to distribution channels
- Networking opportunities with established professionals
The involvement of actors like Janney, Rae, and Dever on the jury panel also highlights the growing intersection between different sectors of the entertainment industry, with established performers taking active roles in supporting new filmmaking talent.
The award announcement comes at a time when the film industry continues to seek fresh voices and perspectives, particularly from filmmakers who bring diverse experiences and storytelling approaches to their work.
As the 2025 grand prize winners, Dube and Evangelista will likely see increased attention for both their current project and future endeavors. The industry will be watching closely to see how they leverage this recognition to further develop their artistic visions and careers.
