Winners of the 1997 AFI Fest Spotlight Awards

AFI Fest Spotlight Awards Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Beverly Hills Thursday, October 30, 6:30 p.m. By Invitation Only In Hollywood, the film capital of the world, recognition for established talent isplentiful yet new film talent has few occasions to be commended and celebrated. In aneffort to reward filmmakers for their artistry, AFI Fest presents the inaugural SpotlightAwards. Many of our sponsors have contributed generous prizes, highlighted byMiramax's contribution to the Jury Prizes. AFI is proud to have the support of the filmand corporate communities who are committed to recognizing new talent in the industry. GRANDY JURY PRIZE Jury prize awarded to the best feature film inthe Official Competition section. STUDIO PRIZE $20,000 cash prize awarded to thebest feature film in the New Visions sectionSponsored by Miramax. BEST NEW DIRECTOR $1,000 cash awarded to thebest first-time director in the festival.Sponsored by the DGA. BEST NEW WRITER $1,000 cash prize awarded to thebest first-time screenwriter.Sponsored by the WGA. FILMMAKER AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST STUDENT SHORT FILM The Magazine of Independent Film ispleased to present this award, chosen byaudience ballot. The winner receives over$12,000 in professional production and postservices. Don't forget to vote!Sponsored by Filmmaker Magazine BEST SHORT FILM $1,500 cash prize awarded tothe best short film and inclusion inupcoming issue of SCJ.Sponsored by Short Cinema Journal BEST ACTOR Presented by Screen Actors Guild member BEST ACTRESS Presented by Screen Actors Guild member AUDIENCE AWARDS Best Feature FilmBest Documentary Film ADDITIONAL SPONSORS CONTRIBUTING PRIZES Borders Books & Music Boston Beer Company Brookfield Communications Burke Williams Hear Music 11 Fornaio America Corporation LA Cellular Neutrogena Odwalla, Inc. Screenplay Systems United Airlines Vidiots Filmmaker Magazine Prizes donated by: Abel Cinetech (Aaton XTRprod Camera rentalpackage), ShortENZ (Film Stock), NewIndependents Lab (Lab Services), QC Film &Video (Telecine or AVID services), T&T Opticals(Titles or Effects)