Los Angeles rolled out the red carpet on Thursday, November 9, 2024, for the grand finale of Film Fest LA at LA Live. The prestigious event, now in its sixth year, concluded with the much-anticipated Kash Hovey & Friends Film Block. This celebration of storytelling, creativity, and cinematic brilliance marked the official close of LA’s festival season, drawing industry powerhouses and emerging talent together for a night to remember.
The finale, produced by the acclaimed mother-son duo Michelle Beaulieu and Kash Hovey, has become a highlight of the festival, spotlighting exceptional achievements in film, fashion, and television. This year was no exception, with memorable wins for Kash Hovey and rising fashion designer Jax Malcolm, each cementing their legacies within their respective fields.
Kash Hovey, an award-winning actor, producer, and host, added more accolades to his growing resume. Known for his role as host and producer of On Air with Ka$h, Hovey took home three top honors: Best Talk Show, Best Variety Series, and Best Host. His wins reaffirm his ability to connect with audiences through engaging and thought-provoking interviews, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Hovey’s talents shone beyond the talk show stage. His performance in the mystery short film Marble earned him the award for Best Actor, showcasing his depth and versatility as a performer. The short, which also won Best Mystery Short Film, highlights Hovey’s ability to bring complex characters to life, captivating both audiences and critics. Reflecting on the evening, Hovey said, “This event has always been close to my heart, and to be recognized alongside so many incredible creatives is an honor. It’s inspiring to see the festival continue to grow and celebrate storytelling in all its forms.”
Jax Malcolm, a trailblazing fashion designer and filmmaker, also enjoyed a triumphant night. His latest work, Trident by Jax Malcolm: The Fantasy Collection, won Best Fashion Video, a testament to his ability to seamlessly blend fashion and narrative storytelling. Malcolm’s bold designs and cinematic vision have earned him a devoted following, with this win marking yet another milestone in his career. Malcolm is no stranger to the festival spotlight. In previous years, he has been recognized with Creator TV’s Designer of the Year award, which celebrated his exceptional contributions to the fashion world. His consistent success underscores his dynamic presence in both fashion and film. On his latest win, Malcolm shared, “This festival has given me the opportunity to showcase my creative journey, and I’m so grateful for the platform it provides. Winning again this year is an incredible honor, and it motivates me to keep pushing boundaries in both fashion and film.”
The festival continued its tradition of celebrating the best in entertainment, with a diverse range of winners showcasing the breadth of talent across the industry. The evening was a blend of heartfelt gratitude, camaraderie, and awe-inspiring moments as filmmakers, fashion designers, and television creators took the stage to receive their awards.
This year’s winners in the film and documentary categories stood out for their storytelling depth. The Story of Terry Moore: The Last Living Legend of Hollywood won Best Documentary, with Elizabeth Blake-Thomas and Isabella Blake-Thomas earning accolades for their intimate portrayal of a Hollywood icon. Isabella Blake-Thomas also took home the Best Documentary Filmmaker award, solidifying her status as a force in the documentary genre. Valerie Brandy’s Murder Behind the Gates was another standout, winning Best Book Trailer for its captivating presentation that teased the drama and intrigue of the book.
Short films were another highlight of the evening. Marble, which explores the mysterious undercurrents of human relationships, won Best Mystery Short Film and garnered awards for Best Director, Mario Zermeno, and Best Actress, Christa Collins. Kash Hovey’s performance in the film earned him Best Actor, adding another layer to the project’s success. The Vanished, a gripping drama short, also made its mark, earning Best Drama Short and a Best Director award for Gary Robinson.
Television and web series were celebrated for their ability to tell compelling stories across serialized formats. Odd Man Out: The Series earned Best Drama Series, with standout performances by Best Actor (Drama Series) Ronnel Parham and Best Actress (Drama Series) Kira Reed Lorsch.
The night also shone a light on innovation in talk shows and variety programming. On Air with Ka$h not only claimed the Best Talk Show and Best Variety Series awards but also highlighted Kash Hovey’s versatility as a host, earning him the Best Host award. Hovey’s ability to connect with audiences through meaningful conversations and engaging content continues to set the standard in the talk show space.
The fashion category brought a vibrant mix of creativity and storytelling. Jax Malcolm’s win for Best Fashion Video for Trident by Jax Malcolm: The Fantasy Collection was a testament to his ability to merge high fashion with cinematic artistry. Malcolm’s work pushes the boundaries of what fashion content can achieve, reflecting a bold and innovative vision.
The festival’s focus on recognizing emerging talent and fresh perspectives was particularly evident in the music and reality TV categories. Viola Odette Harlow was celebrated as Best Emerging Female Artist for her contributions to music, and Manny Liotta earned the Best Music Video Director award for his visual storytelling. In reality TV, The Reality Network, led by Peter Madrigal, was named Best Reality TV Channel, further emphasizing the festival’s commitment to honoring diverse genres.
The 2024 Kash Hovey & Friends Film Block once again proved to be a highlight of the Film Fest LA lineup, celebrating the power of storytelling across multiple disciplines. From cinematic achievements to innovative fashion and heartfelt performances, the event underscored the festival’s commitment to nurturing creativity and honoring excellence. The attendees left the evening inspired by the extraordinary breadth of talent on display and the unique stories brought to life.
For Kash Hovey, the night was a reaffirmation of his place as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents. His wins across multiple categories not only celebrate his creative achievements but also highlight his ability to connect with audiences in deeply meaningful ways. For Jax Malcolm, the event marked another milestone in a career that continues to break barriers, further establishing him as a dynamic force in fashion and film.
As the curtain closed on the sixth annual event, the success of Kash Hovey, Jax Malcolm, and the other winners was a reminder of the transformative power of art. With the continued growth of the festival, Los Angeles eagerly anticipates what the Kash Hovey & Friends Film Block will bring in the years to come.
Connect with the Team
https://www.instagram.com/kashhovey
https://www.instagram.com/onairwithkash
https://www.instagram.com/lynkpublicrelations
https://www.instagram.com/filmfestla
Topics #Film Fest LA #Jax Malcolm #Kash Hovey #Kash Hovey & Friends Film Block #LA Live #Sixth Annual Finale