The 16th annual Catalina Film Festival took over Hollywood’s Island and the historic Avalon Theatre September 25–27, 2026, for a three-day coastal celebration of cinema, highlighted by an Opening Night Career Tribute honoring filmmaker Catherine Hardwicke and the West Coast Premiere of her latest film, STREET SMART.
Hardwicke was presented with the Catalina Film Festival Career Tribute Award by STREET SMART cast members Sally Struthers and Skeet Ulrich. Also in attendance for the Opening Night celebration were Jamie Marshall, Isiah Hilt, Miles McKenna, Jackson Jason Green and Jakob Ulrich, son of Skeet Ulrich.
Ahead of the West Coast Premiere of STREET SMART, Catalina welcomed the premiere of short film LITTLE CHAPLIN — a true family affair from filmmaker Alfonso Campos. Campos directed the film, which stars his daughter Olivia Campos-Tarantino and was produced by his daughter Chloe Tarantino. Joining the family on the red carpet was jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino, Campos’ wife and mother to Olivia and Chloe, who designed a special necklace for honoree Catherine Hardwicke that was presented to the filmmaker onstage during the Festival’s Awards Ceremony.
Day Two continued with the Catalina Film Festival feature presentation of BONDING, welcoming Tate Donovan, Jefferson White, Alexandra Doke and David Nordstrandto the red carpet alongside producers Barry Nordstrand, Carmen Nordstrand and Joseph Menzel.
The Festival also spotlighted its next generation of filmmakers with THE WOLF OF WALBOROUGH STREET, written and directed by high school filmmaker Hudson Hillin. The short stars Patrick Fischler, who attended the Festival with his daughter Fia Fischler, alongside actress Cora Miller.
The Catalina Film Festival Awards Ceremony and Closing Night Presentation,recognized outstanding work across the 2026 program, include the inaugural Jackson’s Cardinal Award, established by the Becky Jackson Curran and family in honor of her son Jackson to recognize storytelling that reflects courage, perseverance, inclusion, and hope, while expanding visibility and possibility for people living with disabilities and other life challenges.
This first honor was presented to the short film Veronica, co-written by John Stapleton and Selene Luna, who also stars in the lead role. Selene Luna accepted the award on behalf of the film.
2026 CATALINA FILM FESTIVAL
BEST OF FEST AWARD WINNERS
Narrative Feature: BONDING
Documentary Short Film: A MAN WHO TAKES PICTURES OF FLOWERS
Documentary Feature: PEOPLE VS. POLITICS
Conservation Film: BEFORE THE FOREST FALLS
U.S. Narrative Short Film: HUNTED
International Narrative Short: MR VERTIGO
Animated Short Film: FLINK’S PIGEON PROBLEMS
Indigenous Storytelling Short Film:
FORGOTTEN FOUNDER: THE UNTOLD STORY OF SAMSON OCCOM AND DARTMOUTH
A.I. Short Film: MADOROMI stage1
Music Video: SOBER
Advanced Student Film: STILL OHIO
High School Student Film: THE WOLF OF WALBOROUGH STREET
Feature Screenplay: ALMA’S WILL
Screenwriters: Kelly Karam & Jeffrey Howe
Deb Bauer Unsung Hero Award: A MAGIC THREAD
Festival Treasure Award: PUSHED TOGETHER
Wes Craven Best Horror / Thriller Award: A HAND TO HOLD
Jackson’s Cardinal Award: Selene Luna / VERONICA
Career Tribute: Catherine Hardwicke
