The Newport Beach Film Festival

09/09/2026

👏​ Congratulations to the 2026 Variety 10 Actors to Watch honorees!! Newport Beach Film Festival is thrilled to partner with Visit Newport Beach and Variety to celebrate artistic talent in film and television next month at the 2026 Newport Beach Film Festival Honors event.

202​6 Variety '10 Actors to Watch'

​✨​ Esmé Creed-Miles (“Sense and Sensibility”)

✨​ Mariana Di Girólamo​ (“Wild Horse Nine”)

✨​ Rosalind Eleazar​ (“Misty Green," "Slow Horses")

✨​ Guitarricadelafuente​ ( “La Bola Negra,” “Bitter Christmas”)

✨​ Summer H. Howell​ ("Carrie," "Runaway")

✨​ Jaafar Jackson​ ("Michael," "Supermax")

✨​ Ruth Madeley​ (“Being Heumann”)

✨​ Inde Navarrette​ (“Obsession," upcoming "X-Men" film)

✨​ Ray Nicholson (“The Mosquito Bowl,” “The Beauty")

✨​ Joseph Zada​ “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping,” “East of Eden”)

Variety announces 10 Actors to Watch for 2026 which include Jaafar Jackson, Inde Navarrette, Ray Nicholson, Joseph Zada, Guitarricadelafuente and more.

31/08/2026

Newport Beach Film Festival is thrilled to announce a new partnership with RELISH.

Immerse yourself in Southern California’s ultimate culinary and lifestyle experience this October 2nd–4th at VEA Newport Beach, a Marriott Resort & Spa and Park Club Costa Mesa.

Join us for a star-studded weekend of intimate epicurean events, exclusive master classes, and luxury tastings

Created by Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen and Celebrity Event Planner Nicole Hirsty of Cobalt Events, this luxury destination event is designed to highlight the coastal sophistication and culinary excellence of the region.

Featuring Geoffrey Zakarian, Scott Conant, Sherry Yard, Afrim Pristine, Kat Turner, Katie Chin and Chef Jamie Gwen, Relish - Food, Wine, & Spirits Experience promises food and beverage enthusiasts an unforgettable, world-class epicurean experience.

Reserve your experience at RELISHFOODWINE.COM

06/08/2026

Newport Beach Film Festival is thrilled to partner with the Library Foundation of Newport Beach and Newport Beach Art Week on this exciting event at the new Witte Hall in Newport Beach.

In 2024 the Festival presented the documentary 'Music by John Williams' directed by Laurent Bouzereau. We look forward to author Tim Greiving's presentation of his biography John Williams: A Composer's Life.

John Williams wrote the memorable scores for a staggering number of popular cinema touchstones–Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and the Harry Potter series. He has earned more Oscar nominations than any individual artist in the history of the motion picture Academy. Come hear author Tim Greiving give an engaging account of a man whose body of work is universally beloved. Special presentation during Newport Beach Art Week on August 13 at 7pm in the new Witte Hall. Tickets are limited. https://nbplfoundation.givecloud.co/product/TimGreiving/tim-greiving

05/08/2026

🎥 2026 Newport Beach Film Festival EARLY BIRD PASSES are now on sale!

Join us October 15-22, 2026 for eight days of international cinema, extraordinary culinary experiences and compelling conversations with filmmakers and artists along the picturesque Southern California coast.

For a LIMITED TIME purchase the PREMIER INSIDER and PARTY PASS at an exclusive rate before the Festival Program is announced!

​PREMIER INSIDER PASS
✨​ Watch four films EVERY DAY at the Newport Beach Film Festival!
✨​ Join us for the OPENING NIGHT screening and gala
✨​ Reserve your spot to 4 films a day, for 7 days straight
✨​ Select your screenings once programming is revealed
✨​ Enjoy TIME Nightclub After Parties during the Fest
✨​ Claim your spot at our Fashion Island Main Stage events
✨​ Attend all Sunset Series receptions
✨​ Includes access to reserve a spot at Centerpiece/Spotlight screenings

*Please note​: This will NOT grant you access to sold out events.​ Limited quantities available.​You must use your pass to reserve an individual ticket to all desired screenings. One (1) reservation per event.

​PARTY PASS
Claim your spot at all the best Newport Beach Film Festival after parties!
✨​ Attend the Opening Night Gala, featuring over 30 culinary partners, live entertainment, and complimentary drinks
✨​ Let loose at the Latin Showcase After Party
✨​ Dance your heart out at the European Showcase After Party
✨​ Close your week with a night of fun at the Pacific Rim After Party

*Please note​: ​Buying the Party Pass will not grant you access to the International Spotlight Films.

Buy Early Bird Passes at https://nbff2026.eventive.org/pass/buy

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15/07/2026

🎥 Calling all filmmakers! The 202​6 Newport Beach Film Festival FINAL SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE is Friday, July 17th. Submit your film today via FilmFreeway.

🌊 Celebrate 27 years of extraordinary filmmaking at ​6 from October 15-2​2, 202​6 in coastal Southern California.

During its eight-day run, NBFF will screen over 300 films from around the world and host nightly gala celebrations, red carpet premieres, spotlight events, interactive filmmaking panels, and networking receptions, giving filmmakers ample opportunities to mingle with industry leaders, sales agents, distributors, press, and other filmmakers!

Newport Beach Film Festival invites local, regional, and international filmmakers to submit feature-length narrative, , short, animated and student films.

Submit at https://filmfreeway.com/NewportBeachFilmFestival

23/06/2026

10/06/2026

📺 Tune in to PBS SoCal on Thursday, June 11th at 10:00 PM for the broadcast premiere of the 9th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival UK & IE HONOURS presented by Visit Newport Beach.

The 9th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival UK & IE HONOURS presented by Visit Newport Beach recognizes and celebrates outstanding UK and Irish talent in film and television.

From the historic Raffles London at The OWO hotel, the show features Variety’s 10 Brits to Watch and interviews with Dame Pippa Harris, Icon Winner: Jennifer Saunders Artists of Distinction: Sam Claflin, Shirley Henderson, and Timothy Spall Spotlight Artists: Damson Idris, Wunmi Mosaku Breakout Artists: Harry Melling, Jay Lycurgo, and Noah Jupe, with special appearance by Paul Mescal.

Starting June 11th, the 9th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival UK & IE HONOURS presented by Visit Newport Beach will be available to stream on pbs.org and pbssocal.org.

Check your local listings for broadcast schedules.

PBS SoCal
https://www.pbssocal.org/

Preview:
https://www.pbs.org/video/9th-annual-newport-beach-film-festival-uk-honours-preview/

29/05/2026

📺 Celebrate stellar talent in television and comedy at the Newport Beach TV Fest ONE-ON-ONE Series!

✨​ Mindy Kaling
Join us for a special live taping of The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast featuring Mindy Kaling, moderated by Scott Feinberg. An Emmy-nominated writer, Tony Award-winning producer, bestselling author, director, and actor, Kaling will be honored with the Artist of Distinction Award during the event. From The Mindy Project and Never Have I Ever to The S*x Lives of College Girls and Netflix’s Running Point, Kaling has become one of television’s most influential creative voices, known for championing fresh comedic storytelling and female-led series that resonate with audiences worldwide.

✨​ Seth MacFarlane
Join us for a live taping of THR's Awards Chatter podcast with host Scott Feinberg, featuring Seth MacFarlane, the multi-hyphenate creator behind Family Guy, American Dad!, The Orville, and Peacock’s Ted. MacFarlane will receive the Maverick Award in recognition of his groundbreaking impact across television, film, and music, and for his work on Ted, the hit prequel series following the foul-mouthed teddy bear and his best friend John Bennett navigating life in 1990s Boston.

✨​ Sebastian Maniscalco
Enjoy a sit down conversation with acclaimed comedian Sebastian Maniscalco as he receives the Stand Up Comedy Special of the Year Award. Maniscalco is a record-breaking comedian and one of the highest-grossing touring acts in the world, known for his dynamic physical comedy and sharp, observational storytelling. His latest special, It Ain’t Right, debuted as Hulu’s top title within 24 hours as part of its Hularious slate.

✨​ Andy Cohen
Go behind the scenes as Emmy award winner, Andy Cohen receives Variety’s Creative Impact in Television Award at the Newport Beach TV Fest. As a longtime Bravo executive, television host, author, and producer, Cohen has left a lasting impression on the industry. In this special conversation hosted by Kate Aurthur, Cohen will reflect on his career and share insights into the evolution of reality TV and the 20th anniversary of The Real Housewives of Orange County.

Tickets https://www.nbtvfest.com/

28/05/2026

📺 Check out the incredible lineup of talent coming to Newport Beach! We are beyond excited to present this fabulous event at the iconic Lido Theater.

Join Newport Beach TV Fest on Saturday, June 6th at 8:00pm for the 2026 Breakout Awards and Panel presented by Gold Derby!

👏 Congratulations to the honorees!

✨Owen Thiele (Adults)

✨Shabana Azeez (The Pitt)

✨Paul Anthony Kelly (Love Story)

✨Ashley Padilla (SNL)

✨Thomas Doherty (Paradise)

✨Karolina Wydra (Pluribus)

The panel will be moderated by Gold Derby editor-in-chief Debra Birnbaum.

Tickets on sale now https://www.nbtvfest.com/