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The Abbot Awards® are given to filmmakers who exemplify maverick filmmaking, by creating stunning and poignant cinema. These films, often hilarious or tragically absurd, are made without the benefits of large budgets and technological wizardry. These filmmakers share the spirit and artistic energy of Venice’s founding father Abbot Kinney. In honoring these filmmakers who adhere to their singular vision, we honor our Venetian benefactor, Abbot Kinney.
All films that screen at the festival, with the exception of Spotlight Screenings, are in competition for an Abbot®. Short films as well as features qualify for Audience Choice and Most Excellent Abbot Awards®. The Local Maverick Spotlight Abbot Award® is given to a local established filmmaker who creates unforgettable celluloid and kick ass flicks.
Come dig the new breed and celebrate with us this year’s Abbot® Winners at our Festival’s closing night ceremony. The Abbot Awards® are free to the public with live music and raw emotion. Submit your film today and perhaps you can take home a stunning acrylic Abbot Award®.
Also, for the first time in 2005, Abbot Awards® were presented to members of the greater Venice community for Excellence in Arts & Community Service.
2005 Community Abbot Awards®
In association with the Venice Community Trust, Abbot Awards® were presented for the first time to 
members of the greater Venice community for Excellence in Arts & Community Service. The award ceremony took place during the Abbot Kinney Street Fair on September 26, 2005, with Los Angeles
Edward Ruscha
A painter, printmaker and filmmaker, Edward Ruscha was born in Nebraska and moved to Los Angeles in the 1950’s. He has been a Venice local for many years, and he is one of America’s most important and influential contemporary artists. While he has been recognized time and time again and his works are in the permanent collections of the most prestigious museums in the world, one of his most exciting moments is his participation this year in the Venice Biennale as the sole artist to represent the United States.
Orson Bean
An American film and theater actor, published author and an award-winning director, Orson Bean’s career spans over five decades. He is also an acclaimed story teller and raconteur who survived the industry blacklist of the 1950s. From being on The Tonight Show over 200 times, 100 of them as the guest host, to a 20 year run on Broadway, numerous films and TV shows, Orson is a Venice local for many years, staring in scores of productions at our local Pacific Residents Theater.
Gregory Hines
Born in New York City, Gregory Hines started dancing at the age of 3 and went professional at 5 and is regarded by many as the greatest tap dancer of his generation. After many years on the road, he moved to Venice for the good life and began exploring music with his jazz/rock band Severance and films and TV. He appeared in over 20 films and was a regular on Will & Grace and had his own show for a time. A Tony Award winner and member of our community, Gregory Hines passed away in August, 2003.
Carol Tantau
Without Carol Tantau, we might be standing on West Washington Bl. Instead of Abbot Kinney Bl. As a small business owner, she is the owner of Just Tantau, an eclectic collection of gifts, jewelry, accessories and clothing, but as a force in Venice for many years, including the key organization of the Abbot Kinney District Merchants Association (who are the force behind the Abbot Kinney Street Fair). Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as an extraordinary woman entrepreur, Carol is a blessing to the Venice community.
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