Iris Prize Reveals 2024 Performance Awards Shortlist

Just days away now from the 18th edition of Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival (8th to 13 October), which promises to turn on the Cardiff charm as it celebrates the latest and best in queer cinema. Ahead of opening night. Festival organisers have recognised a wealth of talent in its performance awards shortlist, boasting representation from eight countries in Belgium, Netherlands; Canada; Australia; Greece; Brazil; Philippines; and Argentina. The winners will be crowned in a fabulous Iris Awards Show on Saturday 12 October.

Here’s the shortlist in full:

Best Performance In A Male Role In A Feature Film Sponsored By Attitude Magazine

LOU GOOSSENS (Elias, in Young Hearts, directed by Anthony Schatteman, Belgium and Netherlands, 2024)

Lou said: Playing Elias was one big adventure, and it’s amazing to see how the story of Young Hearts responds to so many viewers. It’s a year of amazing roles in even more amazing movies, played by the best actors from all generations. As it is only my first role in a feature film, this was already the best year of my life, and I can’t wait to see what will follow. Thank you again for this nomination, I feel truly blessed.”

FÉLIX MARITAUD (Olivier, in Solo, directed by Sophie Dupuis, Canada, 2023)

Félix said: “I feel very honoured because this film was an incredible experience as an actor and as a person too, thanks to iris prize to have me nominated one more time. Thanks to Sophie Dupuis and all the cast and crew from Solo.”

LIAM MOLLICA (Leo, in Sunflower, directed by Gabriel Carrubba, Australia, 2023) 

Liam said: “I am beyond thrilled and honoured to be nominated for Best Performance in a Male Role. It brings me so much joy seeing Sunflower shared beyond Australia and I am thrilled that it will be played at Iris Prize for our UK Premiere.” 

YORGOS TSIANTOULAS (Demosthenes, in The Summer With Carmen, directed by Zacharias Mavproeidis, Greece, 2023)

Yorgos said: “Portraying Demosthenes in The Summer with Carmen was an incredible journey for me, diving deep into themes of queer identity, friendship and love. This character gave me the chance to portray the beautiful complexity of queer lives, celebrating their richness and diversity. Being part of a film that champions such authentic and meaningful stories fills me with joy and pride.”

ARTUR VOLPI (Joao, in Perfect Endings directed by Daniel Ribeiro, Brazil, 2024)

Artur said: “I’m thrilled to have our film screened at the Iris Prize and my performance recognized by the festival. So grateful for being part of such a relevant LGBTQ+ space that celebrates diversity. Hope you enjoy the story that my character, João, carries with him!” 

Best Performance In A Female Role In A Feature Film Sponsored By Diva Magazine

AYA FERNANDEZ (Jana, in Rookie directed by Samantha Lee, Philippines, 2024) 

Aya said: “May Jana be a reminder to all young queers and girls that they have a space to own, excel and grow whether in sports or any field they choose to conquer. Thank you very much for this recognition.”

LUCIANA GRASSO (Vera, in Vera and the Pleasure of Others, directed by Romina Tamburello and Federico Actis, Argentina, 2023)

Luciana said: “It is an honour for me to be part of this nomination. This film means a lot on a personal and professional level. The dedication and trust were very necessary things to be able to face this character. I am very happy to be able to be in this film that expands horizons and views, minds and hearts. I loved playing Vera, with her intrepid, adventurous and eager spirit. I hope she infects us all a little.”

SHAEANE JIMENEZ (Julianne Alba, in Last ExMas, directed by Sarah Rotella, Canada, 2024)

Shaeane said: “It is truly a dream come true to be starring in my first feature film. Having its premiere at Iris Prize Festival – then being nominated for Best Performance along with my co-star, Elena Milo, is the icing on the cake! I had so much fun playing Julianne, her and I have a lot in common. I hope everyone laughs and cries and craves some warm Christmas cooking afterwards. Thank you for watching!”

ELENA MILO (Maggie Pierce in Last ExMas, directed by Sarah Rotella, Canada, 2024)

Elena said: “I am incredibly honoured to be nominated for this award at Iris Prize! This film is incredibly close to my heart, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate the premiere screening in Wales. Maggie is a character that I’ve given such a large piece of myself to, and I hope everyone loves her character and this film as much as I did working on it.  The passion behind this project from each and every member is what has given it such life and I owe all of this to the incredible team that helped to build it.”

PAT TINGIUY (Ace, in Rookie directed by Samantha Lee, Philippines, 2024)

Pat said: “Grateful for the recognition, humbled by the journey, and inspired to keep telling stories that move hearts and minds.”

Berwyn Rowlands, Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival Director, said: “Producing films is a huge collaborative process with many creative skills coming together to tell a story. Actors are an integral part of this mix. Personally, I think a strong performance can transform an OK film and make it spectacular! Having viewed and programmed the features at Iris this year, I can say with some conviction that the shortlisted performances are spectacular.

“Congratulations to all 10 of the shortlisted performances in 7 amazing feature films. Who will be presented with the Best Performance awards, we will find out on Saturday 12 October. But if you want to judge for yourself, come to celebrate global stories and Cardiff charm at the 18^th Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival.”

Tickets for all screenings/events at this year’s Iris Prize are available now at www.irisprize.org