AWARDS HAVE MEANING AT RIIFF...

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERS

GEORGE M. COHAN AMBASSADOR AWARD

Presented semi-annually to an outstanding artist whose work, passion, and drive epitomizes a level of excellence which reflects creatively on their Rhode Island roots.  Named after famed Providence entertainer George M. Cohan, who was born on the 4th of July, this award honors truly unique Americans who have made a timeless contribution to the arts and have inspired future generations of Rhode Islanders.

2009

TBA

2008

Richard Jenkins

Actor, United States

ROGER WILLIAMS INDEPENDENT VOICE AWARD

Presented semi-annually to an outstanding artist whose vision promotes tolerance, compassion and understanding. Named after the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams, who established an American tradition of religious freedom and individual liberty that was encoded in The Bill of Rights. This award honors a truly unique American whose ethics, philosophy and conscience reflects that of Roger Williams, who provided a refuge from rampant religious persecution, an open door to all people; a safe harbor in a vast sea of tyranny and oppression

2009

Wat Misaka

Athlete

CREATIVE VISION AWARD

Celebrating the passion of creativity within the world of cinema: The Rhode Island International Film Festival recognizes outstanding directors, actors, and film talent for their contributions to the art of filmmaking with this semi-annual award. Past recipients have included:

2008

Blythe Danner

Actress: United States

2006
Michael Corrente
Director: United States

2005
Rosa von Praunheim
Writer/Director: Germany

2001
Elaine Lorillard
Founder, Newport Jazz Festival/Artist

CRYSTAL IMAGE AWARD

Presented to an emerging artist whose outstanding work and vision epitomizes a new voice that must be heard; a filmmaker whose talent will have a positive impact in the future.

2009

Klaus Badelt

Composer

2005
Michael Showalter
Actor/Director

2004
Zach Braff
Actor/Director

THE NATHANAEL GREENE HUMANITARIAN AWARD
The bi-annual RIIFF humanitarian award pays tribute to a Rhode Island legend whose reputation stands next to George Washington for the eminent service he rendered to his country and its people. The award recognizes individuals whose kindness, benevolence and sympathy are extended universally and impartially to all humans.

2009

William Shatner

Actor

(awaiting new presentation date)

2005
Danny Trejo
Actor

RIIFF PRODUCERS CIRCLE AWARD

Presented to members of the community who have actively worked to support and promote the mission of the Rhode Island International Film Festival. These Friends of the Festival have had a significant impact on the growth, evolution and quality of what has become RIIFF.

2009

• Stephen L. Brown, The Providence Phoenix

• Robert I. Burke, Federal Reserve/Pot au Feu

• Alan J. Chille, Providence Performing Arts Center

• Duncan B. Putney, actor/writer

2008

• Paul Brooks, Mayor's Liaison, City of Providence, RI

• Christina Mealey, Former Director, RIIFF's KidsEye™ Summer Filmmaking Camp

• Steve Dirksmeier, Sony Corporation

2006