Texas Film Awards Kickoff Soirée Amplified Excitement Ahead of Annual Spring Gala
The upcoming Texas Film Awards honor Lone Star State filmmakers while supporting the Austin Film Society’s grant and education programs
The Texas Film Awards Kickoff Soirée was held in Austin on Jan. 14 at the home of Polly and Lonnie Cooper, hosted by chairs Celeste Quesada and Adrian Quesada. The evening brought together filmmakers, artists, patrons and longtime supporters of the Austin Film Society for an intimate celebration of Texas creativity.
Music set the tone for the night, with Texas Film Awards Musical Director JaRon Marshall, keyboardist for the Black Pumas, performing a short acoustic set, joined by vocalist Lauren Cervantes. Remarks by Holly Herrick, Head of Film & Creative Media, underscored the sense of anticipation for the awards season ahead, announcing Sonny Carl Davis as a 2026 Texas Film Hall of Fame Honoree.
The soirée also offered a broader look at what the Texas Film Awards represent. Hosted annually by the Austin Film Society, the Texas Film Awards is a major fundraising gala dedicated to honoring the artists and industry leaders who have shaped film and television in Texas. The event culminates in the induction of new honorees into the Texas Film Hall of Fame and features a red carpet reception, dinner and auction.
For the 2026 awards, Noah and Kyle Hawley, co-founders of 26 Keys Productions, will serve as honorary hosts. Noah Hawley, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025, also serves on the AFS Board. JaRon Marshall will return as music director for the gala, leading a band of Austin all-stars.
Austin Film Society’s Education & Grant Programs
Proceeds from the awards directly benefit AFS’s artistic and educational programs, which provide more than $200,000 annually in grants to Texas filmmakers, ensuring that independent voices across the state continue to thrive.
2026 Texas Film Awards will take place on March 5 at Troublemaker Studios. Tables and individual tickets are on sale now.