Zahn McClarnon Shakes Santa Fe Festival With Visionary Award

On October 16, the Santa Fe International Film Festival will present its Visionary Award to actor Zahn McClarnon at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, NM. McClarnon is best known for portraying Lt.

Joe Leaphorn in AMC’s *Dark Winds*, a series executive produced by George R.R. Martin and the late Robert Redford.

The show, which has just wrapped its fifth season, continues to explore complex Navajo culture through a crime‑drama lens.

In addition to acting, McClarnon serves as an executive producer for *Dark Winds* and directed the second episode of season four, showcasing his growing influence behind the camera.

The move reflects a trend of actors taking creative control to ensure authentic representation, a priority that aligns with McClarnon’s advocacy for Indigenous narratives.

Dark Winds adapts Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels and follows two Navajo police officers in the 1970s as they investigate seemingly unrelated crimes across the American Southwest. The series, shot on location in Santa Fe, blends mystery with cultural insight.

## Background & Context

McClarnon's career spans both television and film, earning him recognition across multiple genres. He received a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series for his work as Officer Big in FX’s *Reservation Dogs*. The award highlighted his ability to bring nuanced authenticity to ensemble storytelling.

He has portrayed Officer Mathias in *Longmire*, Akecheta in HBO’s second season of *Westworld*, and Hanzee Dent in the second season of FX’s *Fargo*, each role reinforcing his versatility across genre television. His performances often weave cultural context into mainstream narratives, resonating with diverse audiences.

McClarnon’s filmography includes *The Silencing* alongside Nikolaj Coster‑Waldau and Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Stephen King’s *Doctor Sleep*, roles that showcase his range in both drama and horror.

On television, he has recurring parts on Disney+ and Marvel Studio’s *Hawkeye* and *Echo*, demonstrating his adaptability to high‑profile franchises.

Additional credits include Hulu’s *History of the World, Part II*, the Jennifer Lawrence comedy *No Hard Feelings*, Tony Tost’s *Americana*, and a voice role as Olrox in Netflix’s animated series *Castlevania:

Nocturne*.

McClarnon also starred on AMC’s *The Son*, further expanding his presence on network television.

His collaboration with Nikolaj Coster‑Waldau in *The Silencing* highlighted his capacity to engage in character‑driven dramas.

His voice work in *Castlevania: Nocturne* showcases his versatility beyond live‑action roles.

McClarnon's journey reflects a broader movement of Indigenous performers gaining visibility in mainstream media, and his dual roles behind the camera signal a commitment to shaping narratives from multiple angles.

## What People Are Saying

Santa Fe Film Festival executive director Liesette Bailey praised McClarnon’s “authenticity and excitement to each of his roles. His entrée into directing makes him an exemplary person to receive the Visionary Award,” she said. The statement underscored the festival’s focus on celebrating innovative talent.

Festival organizers noted that McClarnon's career trajectory aligns with the Visionary Award’s mission to honor artists who push creative boundaries and foster cultural authenticity.

Previous Visionary Award honorees include Giancarlo Esposito, Sterlin Harjo, Wes Studi, and Catherine Hardwicke, figures who have similarly pushed creative boundaries within the film industry.

## What Happens Next

McClarnon will receive the Visionary Award during the festival’s awards ceremony on October 16 at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The award presentation follows a lineup of film screenings and panel discussions designed to showcase regional talent and foster industry networking.

Following the award ceremony, McClarnon is slated to speak at a panel on Indigenous representation in media, offering insight into the challenges and opportunities he has encountered.

With the series concluding its fifth season, McClarnon’s recognition at Santa Fe underscores his growing influence in television and film, affirming his role as a prominent voice in Indigenous storytelling.