SPECIAL AWARD RECOGNITIONS
The creation of the Mela Hudson Best Actress Award occurred in 2019. I had the good fortune of getting a submission to my festival called "Melancholia" from Director Redouane Elghazi in 2018. It became an official selection. Sadly, just days before we were to do this showing, I was advised that Mela had taken her own life. The filmmaker and I made the final decision to purge forth and show the film as a tribute and testament to Ms. Hudson's life as an actress and artist I decided to attempt to keep her memory and magical personality more permanently alive by naming my Best Actress Award after her. Mela was an award-winning actress, director, writer and producer. She accomplished so very much in the nine years she worked within this industry. She volunteered at Play For Your Freedom, an organization focused on helping veterans suffering from PTSD through wellness workshops, as well as those devoted to fighting hunger, domestic violence, and suicide prevention
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https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4706738/
The Best Director Award will be named after my mentor, my friend, and my trusted advisor, John A. Gallagher. Award winning Director, writer, producer, author, historian and educator for over thirty years. 17 wins and 18 nominations; producer of 43 projects. We met through my radio show, and quickly, he started introducing me to so many people in film. He was the driving force behind encouraging me to be a film judge, start a festival, and advance in this world. He had faith in me, and he trusted me. He brought me into his circle, and that included his family. I owe him more than I can every repay him. I could not pick a better person for this one.
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Amazon.com: Film Directors on Directing: 9780275932725: Gallagher, John A.: Books
The Best Actor Award is named after one of my top five favorite actors of all time, Michael Madsen. I was elated to be able to talk to him about this in person, and he graciously said yes to me. Honestly, almost every single person on here knows of his talents. To me, what stands out most about his work is how generous he is with other actors. He does not mind sharing the stage. He is incredibly skilled in both character and method acting, and he can flip from psycho to passionate lover in five minutes. Moreover, he does not take himself too seriously on or off stage. He loves his family dearly and works double time to ensure they are cared for. He is truly one of the best to me.
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Michael Madsen (@michaelmadsenofficial) • Instagram photos and videos
Michael Madsen Poetry - 13 Hands Publications (13handsonline.com)