This year’s NXTUP Fest lit up the screen with a bold celebration of student creativity, vision, and storytelling. Hosted by the Schools of Entertainment at Academy of Art University, the event brought together filmmakers, performers, writers, and film lovers for an unforgettable evening.
The showcase was a testament to the talent rising within our programs, from gripping dramas to heartfelt comedies and thought-provoking documentaries, the array of work on display was nothing short of awe-inspiring, highlighting outstanding student efforts in acting, directing, cinematography, and editing.
As the night ended, the excitement peaked with the announcement of this year’s winning films and performances. These students stood out not only for their technical skill but for their ability to move audiences and tell stories that matter.
And now, we’re proud to announce the NXTUP Fest 2025 winners:
FILM
Picture
The Client
Directors Tay & Wenjie (Victor) Li
Producers Gill & Tay
Directing
Tay & Wenjie (Victor) Li
The Client
Personal Project
The Green Glass Door
Tommy Harkness
Cinematography – Short Form
Sienna Sparks
Lost
Cinematography – Long Form
Nathan Bogdan
The Basement
Editing – Short Form
Jonathan Heskes
Hurt for the Better
Editing – Long Form
Shang-Che Tsai & Wenjie (Victor) Li
Paint the History
Short Film Challenge
The Basement
Eduardo C. Torres
Documentary
Paint the History
Director Wenjie (Victor) Li,
Producer Qiaoyu (Julia) Yang
Micro Doc
I’m Always There
Director Joaquin Bacquerie
Music Video
Eden Moshe
Lost
Commercial/PSA
Inverno Nella Baia
Director Sofia Castillo
Sound Design
James Winter Montgomery
Forever West
Music Score
Kevin Edilson
Forever West
ACTING
Actress in a Comedy
Chuer Huang
Little Devil
Actor in a Comedy
Scott Lathrom
Glow
Performance in a Dramedy
Ashley Wilkinson
Swimming with Sharks
Ensemble Acting
The Savages
Brooke Worthen, Copney Toler, Atlantis Clay & Ashley Wilkinson
Actor in a Drama
Atlantis Clay
Waves
Actress in a Drama
Amiyah Sanders
Waves
This year’s NXT Up Fest proved once again that the future of storytelling is in powerful hands. Each project reflected the passion and innovation cultivated within our Film School. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Your creative vision is shaping the next chapter of the entertainment industry.
