Tony Gilroy, Ava DuVernay, and Others Shock Montclair Film Festival

The 14th edition of the Montclair Film Festival will celebrate a slate of filmmakers and performers on Thursday, October 18 and through Sunday, October 25. Among the honorees are director‑screenwriter Tony Gilroy, actor Jack O’Connell, and documentary filmmaker Ava DuVernay.

The festival’s awards program will run across several venues in Montclair, New Jersey, culminating in a closing night screening of Gilroy’s new feature.

On Sunday, October 25, the festival will close with a premiere of Gilroy’s “Searchlight’s Behemoth!” and a post‑screening Q&A moderated by Stephen Colbert. Gilroy will receive the 2026 Filmmaker Tribute during that session.

The ceremony is scheduled to be held at the closing night venue, adding a star‑studded capstone to the festival’s run.

Jack O’Connell’s honor arrives earlier in the week: on Monday, October 19, the Montclair Kimberly Academy Upper School will present him with the 2026 Performer Award. O’Connell stars in Danny Boyle’s Netflix film “Ink” as Larry Lamb, a character who helped ignite in the UK.

Ava DuVernay will be awarded the Documentary Filmmaker Award on October 23 for her film “14th,” with a conversation moderated by Colbert following its screening.

## Festival Honors and Award Schedule

The festival’s award calendar begins on October 18 at The Bellevue Theatre, where director Beth de Araújo receives the 2026 Breakthrough Director award after a showing of her new movie “Josephine.” That same day, the Montclair Kimberly Academy Upper School honors screenwriter Stephen Beresford with the 2026 Screenwriter Award for Focus Features’ “Elsinore.” The academy’s event will highlight Beresford’s work on a film featuring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, following the story of actor Ian Charleson and his performance in Hamlet at London’s National Theatre.

The next day, October 19, the academy’s Upper School presents Jack O’Connell with the 2026 Performer Award. The festival will also showcase O’Connell’s work in Boyle’s “Ink,” noting his portrayal of a pivotal editor role that sparked the rise of.

In addition, the academy will honor Ava DuVernay on October 23 with the Documentary Filmmaker Award for “14th,” and she will join Colbert in a post‑screening conversation at the same venue.

On Sunday, October 25, the festival’s closing night will feature a screening of Gilroy’s “Searchlight’s Behemoth!” followed by a Q&A moderated by Stephen Colbert. During this session, Gilroy will receive the 2026 Filmmaker Tribute, underscoring his impact on contemporary cinema.

The award ceremony will take place at the festival’s closing night venue in Montclair.

## Featured Films and Screenings

“Searchlight’s Behemoth!” premieres on October 25 as Gilroy’s latest cinematic offering, setting the tone for the festival’s conclusion. The film is showcased during the closing night and will be followed by a moderated Q&A with Stephen Colbert, providing insight into Gilroy’s creative process and his recent work.

“Ava DuVernay’s documentary “14th”” will screen on October 23 at the Montclair Kimberly Academy Upper School.

DuVernay will be honored with the Documentary Filmmaker Award during the event, and she will participate in a conversation moderated by Colbert after the screening, offering audience members a deeper look into her filmmaking approach.

The festival’s early programming includes “Josephine,” starring Beth de Araújo, screened at The Bellevue Theatre on October 18. This screening precedes the Breakthrough Director award ceremony, highlighting de Araújo’s contributions to contemporary storytelling.

Additionally, “Elsinore” by Stephen Beresford will be highlighted during his screenwriter award presentation on the same day.

The festival’s lineup also showcases Jack O’Connell’s performance in Danny Boyle’s “Ink,” a Netflix feature that brings O’Connell’s character Larry Lamb into the spotlight. The award ceremony for O’Connell on October 19 will recognize his role in a film that reflects his impact on modern media narratives.

## Industry Impact and Festival Vision

“Montclair Film Festival Honors feature artists whose work has given shape to contemporary cinema,” said Montclair Film Artistic Director and Co‑Head Tom Hall. “We are proud to award these artists for their commitment to the art of film, and we look forward to sharing these wonderful films at this year’s festival.”

Hall’s statement underscores the festival’s role in spotlighting creators who influence the trajectory of modern cinema. By honoring filmmakers like Gilroy, DuVernay, de Araújo, and Beresford, the festival affirms its dedication to celebrating diverse voices and storytelling innovations.

The inclusion of performers such as O’Connell further demonstrates the festival’s holistic appreciation for the craft of acting alongside directorial and written achievements.

This year’s honorees reflect a spectrum of cinematic talent that spans narrative feature, documentary, screenwriting, and performance. The festival’s programming strategy positions Montclair as a hub for celebrating industry excellence while engaging local audiences with high‑profile screenings and award ceremonies.

The Montclair Film Festival’s 2026 honors program showcases the breadth of contemporary filmmaking talent, providing a platform for both seasoned artists and emerging voices to be recognized in the broader cultural landscape.