Photo: Jay Duplass and Richard Linklater
For 25 years, the Texas Film Awards have honored the creative visionaries who put Texas on the cinematic map. Hosted by the Austin Film Society (AFS), the annual event recognizes filmmakers, actors, and industry pioneers who have shaped the state’s dynamic film scene.trailblazers, actors, and other important figures in the film industry who have influenced the state’s vibrant film scene. This year’s milestone celebration promised to be an unforgettable evening, bringing together legendary Texas-born and Texas-based talent.
Heralded into a small red carpet area providing limited access to the stars, the media, myself included, could catch glimpses if not handshakes with a group of celebrities. The founder of the Alamo Drafthouse, Tim League, a Jeff Bezos look-alike was present with his wife Karrie. Alamo, once a local Austin based movie-house, is now a beloved national brand.
This Year’s Honorees
- Michelle Rodriguez – A force in Hollywood, known for her roles in Fast & Furious, Avatar, and Machete, Rodriguez has redefined the action genre with her fearless performances.
- Noah Hawley – The Emmy-winning mind behind Fargo and Legion, Hawley’s innovative storytelling has cemented him as a leading figure in television.
- Tim and Karrie League – The founders of Alamo Drafthouse, whose love for cinema transformed the moviegoing experience and made Austin a hub for cinephiles.
Presenters & Special Guests
Honoring these luminaries will be an all-star group of presenters, including Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Jay Duplass, Zazie Beetz, David Rysdahl, Robert Rodriguez, Elijah Wood, and Richard Linklater himself. The evening will also feature a performance by JaRon Marshall, musical director and member of the Grammy-winning band Black Pumas.Speakers included 2025 honorees Michelle Rodriguez, Noah Hawley, and Tim and Karrie League, as well as AFS Founder & Artistic Director Richard Linklater, one of Texas’ most celebrated filmmakers.
Additional appearances from AFS CEO Rebecca Campbell, AFS Head of Film and Creative Media Holly Herrick, and actors such as Adrianne Palicki,
The Impact of Richard Linklater & Robert Rodriguez
Two of Texas’ most influential directors, Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez, are among this year’s attendees; these directors have each independently shaped the landscape of filmmaking.
- Richard Linklater, AFS founder and longtime champion of Texas cinema, revolutionized storytelling with his signature naturalistic style in films like Slacker, Dazed and Confused, and the Before trilogy. His Oscar-winning Boyhood, filmed over 12 years, is a testament to his innovative approach. Beyond his films, Linklater has tirelessly supported emerging filmmakers, making Austin a major player in the independent film world.
- Robert Rodriguez, the Austin-based auteur behind El Mariachi, Sin City, Spy Kids, and From Dusk Till Dawn, has always done things his own way. His DIY filmmaking ethos—famously starting with a $7,000 budget for El Mariachi—has inspired countless indie filmmakers. Through his Troublemaker Studios, he’s kept Texas at the forefront of cutting-edge filmmaking, proving that Hollywood-caliber storytelling doesn’t need to come from Hollywood.
Together, Linklater and Rodriguez have not only elevated Texas as a film hub but have also paved the way for a new generation of filmmakers who continue to push boundaries.
A Legacy of Texas Filmmaking
Since its founding in 2001 by Evan Smith and Louis Black, the Texas Film Hall of Fame has honored those who have left a lasting mark on Texas’ film and media industry. The annual Texas Film Awards remain the state’s most prestigious film event, with proceeds benefiting the Austin Film Society’s artistic and educational programs.
The Austin Film Society, founded in 1985 by Richard Linklater, continues to shape the Texas film scene through grants, training initiatives, and the operation of Austin Studios. By hosting premieres, special events, and the Texas Film Awards, AFS shines a national spotlight on Texas’ thriving film industry while nurturing future talent.
As the Texas Film Awards celebrate their 25th anniversary, a testament to the lasting power of Texas filmmakers and their influence on the global film industry.
For more details, visit Austin Film Society.