John Leguizamo, Indya Moore and D’Arcy Carden will be honored at the 49th Denver Film Festival, which runs Oct. 22—Nov. 1.
Leguizamo will receive the John Cassavetes Award presented by Next50. The actor will make an appearance at the festival on Oct. 30 to accept the honor prior to a newly added screening of Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” in which Leguizamo starred as Eumaeus.
Indya Moore will receive the CinemaQ LaBahn Ikon Award at the Denver Art Museum on Oct. 25. The actress, model, writer and producer — known for her role as Angel on FX’s “Pose” — will participate in a moderated conversation with Jill D’Allessandro, curator for the museum’s “DIVA” exhibit, which runs Oct. 4—Jan. 31, 2027.
D’Arcy Carden (“The Good Place, “The Five-Star Weekend”) will receive the Women+Film Barbara Bridges Inspiration Award at the Festival’s Awards Brunch on Nov. 1.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome three extraordinary artists whose talent, creativity and impact extend far beyond the screen,” said Matthew Campbell, Denver Film Festival artistic director. “John Leguizamo has built a remarkable career defined by fearless performances, incredible range and the independent spirit that makes him such a deserving recipient of our Cassavetes Award. Indya Moore is a groundbreaking artist and powerful voice for representation and inclusion, while D’Arcy Carden brings an exceptional combination of comedic brilliance, versatility and heart to everything she does. Each has made a unique and lasting mark on the entertainment industry, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their achievements and give Denver audiences the opportunity to connect with these inspiring artists during this year’s Festival.”
The DFF program will also include six Creative Conversations with filmmakers and industry experts. The discussions will be held in the lower level of The Tattered Cover and include:
Screenwriting with Peter Gamble — Oct. 23 at 11:30 a.m.
Peter Gamble screenwriter, “I Play Rocky”
When the Buses Arrived — Oct. 27 at 11 a.m.
Al Jackson, moderator
Andrea Ryall, founder, Hope Has No Borders
Karen Orona, communications manager at the Colorado Immigrants’ Rights Coalition
Jon Ewing, press secretary for the Denver Mayor’s Office
Rebekah Henderson and Lilah Park, filmmakers
Muddy Waters – Navigating the Colorado River’s Uncertain Future — Oct. 27 at 1 p.m.
Tahlia Bear, moderator
Mara Tasker, director, “The River”
Lorelei Cloud, film participant and water activist
Jim Lochhead, former CEO of Denver Water
Perry Cabot, CSU Extension professor and water expert
The Evolving Television Landscape, presented by SeriesFest — Oct. 29, 12:30 p.m.
John Wenzel, moderator and Denver Post journalist
Teri Weinberg, president, Yellow Brick Road
Alex Maggioni, head of television at LAIKA Live Action
Elsie Choi, founder and executive producer, Hours and Seasons
Costume Design with Mona May — Oct. 30, 11 a.m.
Mona May, costume designer, “Clueless”
Casting Director Karlee Formalont — Oct. 30, 1 p.m.
Karlee Formalont, casting director, “A Complete Unknown,” “The Post”
DFF49 will also screen and judge selected films in competition. Jurors for this year’s in-competitions films include:
Krzysztof Kieslowski Award for Best Feature Film
David Canfield, The Hollywood Reporter
Destiny Jackson, Deadline
Rochelle Rose, national director, Performers Program, SAG-AFTRA Foundation
Maysles Brothers Award for Best Documentary
Justine Suzanne Jones, producer
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire
Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair
True Grit Award
Ethan Alter, Gold Derby
Karlee Fomalont, casting director
Danielle Rose Russell, actress
Shorts Competitions
Kate Chamuris, producer
Mona May, costume designer
Darwin Shaw, producer
