Joey Bueno Breese Wins 2026 Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award

Joey Bueno Breese has been awarded the $10,000 2026 Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award for his film “El Rio Nuestro.” Devin O’Guinn received the $2,500 Audience Award for his film “Julian.” The awards were presented during a ceremony on Friday at Frieze Los Angeles, held at the Santa Monica Airport. This marks the seventh year of the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award, which aims to support early-career filmmakers in Los Angeles and is produced in collaboration with Ghetto Film School.

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The jury for this year's awards included notable figures such as Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor and producer Connie Britton, Claudio de Sanctis, Head of Private Bank at Deutsche Bank, Ché Chisholm, CEO of Ghetto Film School, Oscar-winning director Orlando von Einsiedel, and Jorge Villon, founder of Grace Lab. The films submitted for consideration were presented both online and at the fair, with a focus on the theme of Renewal and Resilience, reflecting personal and socially aware narratives.

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Christine Messineo, Americas director at Frieze, emphasized the importance of storytelling in fostering transformation for both artists and communities. She stated, “This year, the films respond to the theme of Renewal and Resilience in deeply personal and socially aware ways – from confronting histories to finding new purpose.” The Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award has supported over 40 fellows since its inception in 2019, serving as an incubator for emerging talent in the film industry.

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Claudio de Sanctis congratulated the award recipients, stating, “In celebrating the 2026 Deutsche Bank Frieze LA Film Awards, I extend my warmest congratulations to Joey Bueno Breese, this year’s Jury Award recipient, and to Devin O’Guinn, honored with the Audience Award. Their work leaves a lasting impression on all who engage with it.” He also expressed Deutsche Bank's commitment to championing artists whose creativity enriches cinematic expression.

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While the awards celebrate emerging filmmakers, some critics argue that the focus on specific themes may limit the diversity of narratives presented. Concerns have been raised about the potential for a narrow interpretation of what constitutes socially aware storytelling, suggesting that broader themes could also be explored.

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• “In its seventh year, the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award continues to spotlight filmmakers whose work reflects the courage and imagination of this city,” — Christine Messineo, Americas Director, Frieze

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• “Their work leaves a lasting impression on all who engage with it.” — Claudio de Sanctis, Head of Private Bank, Deutsche Bank

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This year's awards highlight the ongoing commitment to nurturing new voices in cinema, reinforcing the role of film as a medium for social commentary and personal expression.

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