Middleburg Film Fest Honors McDonagh, Bird, Rogen & More

The 14th Middleburg Film Festival will take place from October 15-18. The festival will conclude with the screening of Siân Heder's Apple Original Film, 'Being Heumann.' Other featured films include Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi's 'La Bola Negra' and Tony Gilroy's 'Behemoth!'

This year's festival will recognize several prominent figures in the film industry. Honorees include Martin McDonagh, Brad Bird, Seth Rogen, Rosalind Eleazar, Guitarricadelafuente, and casting directors Adam Caldwell and Bernard Telsey. Special guests will include tennis legend Billie Jean King and actor Bill Pullman.

Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi's 'La Bola Negra' will be presented as the Friday Spotlight, with Guitarricadelafuente receiving the International Spotlight Award for his contributions. Tony Gilroy's 'Behemoth!' will be the Sunday Spotlight, featuring a post-screening conversation with Gilroy.

Martin McDonagh will receive the Director Spotlight Award for 'Wild Horse Nine.' Brad Bird will be honored with the Spotlight Animation Award for Netflix's 'Ray Gunn.' Seth Rogen will receive the MFF Artistic Achievement Award and participate in an 'In Conversation with Seth Rogen' event.

Rosalind Eleazar is set to receive the Breakthrough Actor Award for her role in A24's 'Misty Green.' The festival will also host its annual Songwriters and Composers Panel, featuring notable artists such as Diane Warren and Daniel Pemberton.

Production designer Bob Pauley will lead a masterclass on his extensive career at Pixar, including his work on 'Toy Story 5.' Billie Jean King will attend with the documentary 'Give Me the Ball!', focusing on her career and advocacy. Bill Pullman will attend with 'Everybody Digs Bill Evans,' a portrait of the jazz pianist.