Newport Beach Film Festival Names 10 Actors to Watch — SkimNews
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- Newport Beach Film Festival returns for its 27th year Oct. 15-22, showcasing 100+ features and 250 shorts from 21 countries alongside Variety's 10 Actors to Watch franchise.
- Alicia Keys documentary "Keys to Summer" opens the festival, while Searchlight's "Behemoth!" — a drama starring Pedro Pascal and written and directed by Tony Gilroy — closes the run.
- Centerpiece films include Martin McDonagh's "Wild Horse Nine" (John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell), Anton Corbijn's "A Talent for Murder" (Helen Mirren, Olivia Cooke), James Gray's "Paper Tiger" (Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson), Beth de Araújo's "Josephine" (Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan), and Danny Boyle's "Ink" (Guy Pearce).
- "La Bola Negra" — starring Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close — joins the international Spotlight section after a 16-minute Cannes standing ovation and winning the 2026 TIFF People's Choice Award.
- Rosalind Eleazar is described as "poised to compete in the best actress Oscar race" following the Toronto premiere of Chris Rock's directorial effort "Misty Green"; she is also known for Apple TV's "Slow Horses."
- Variety's 10 Actors to Watch honorees will be celebrated Oct. 18 at the Honor Brunch, joining a franchise alumni list that includes 35+ past Oscar winners and nominees.
Why it matters: The 27th Newport Beach Film Festival functions as a late-stage awards-season launchpad: Eleazar is being positioned as a best actress Oscar contender post-TIFF, and the centerpiece slate — anchored by Searchlight's Behemoth! and prestige titles from McDonagh, Gray, Corbijn, and Boyle — shapes the final months of the 2026 race.
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