Austin Film Fest 2026: Nina Jacobson & Eric Kripke to Be Honored!

The Austin Film Festival has announced Nina Jacobson and Eric Kripke as the first honorees for its 2026 edition. The awards ceremony will take place during the festival's annual luncheon, scheduled for October 31. The 33rd Austin Film Festival is scheduled to run from October 29 through November 5 in Austin, Texas.

Jacobson will receive the Polly Platt Award for Producing, an award established in 2019 that recognizes producers with a strong track record of championing storytelling and emerging talent. Kripke, on the other hand, will be honored with the Outstanding Television Writer Award for his contributions to serialized television.

Nina Jacobson, founder of Color Force, has been a key figure in the production of major film and television projects. Her work includes the successful 'The Hunger Games' franchise and 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette'. The Polly Platt Award recognizes her dedication to promoting impactful narratives and supporting new talent in the industry.

This award underscores her influence and commitment to quality in audiovisual production. Her leadership at Color Force has enabled the development of projects that have resonated with global audiences, solidifying her position as one of Hollywood's most influential producers.

Eric Kripke, the creative mind behind the acclaimed Prime Video series 'The Boys,' will be recognized for his impact on serialized television. In addition to 'The Boys,' Kripke is also known for his work on series such as 'Supernatural' and 'Timeless.' His ability to create complex narrative universes and memorable characters has made him a prominent figure in the industry.

Kripke is no stranger to the Austin Film Festival, having been recognized in 1997 for his student short film 'Truly Committed.' This award celebrates his career and his continued innovation in the field of television.

Along with the honorees, the Austin Film Festival also revealed its industry-sponsored fellowships and awards for 2026, aimed at supporting emerging writers and filmmakers. These awards include the AMC One-Hour Pilot Award, The Donners’ Company Screenwriting Award, Enderby Entertainment Award, and the Roadmap Writers Representation Fellowship, among others spanning comedy, animation, and genre storytelling.

Additional awards such as the Valhalla Entertainment Award and the William N. Collage Screenwriting Award, as well as the YMH Studios Comedy Feature Fellowship, will also be presented. These initiatives seek to foster emerging talent and provide opportunities for new creators to develop their projects.

Fellowships cover screenplay and film competitions, with categories ranging from drama pilots and comedy features to genre projects and animated series. Submissions for the 2026 festival and screenplay competition are now open, inviting filmmakers and writers to submit their work for a chance to receive support and recognition in the industry.

The festival continues to be an important meeting point for the film community, offering a platform to celebrate established talent and discover new voices in the world of film and television.