Joey Bueno Breese Wins 2026 Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award

Devin O'Guinn receives Audience Award for his film 'Julian'

Feb. 28, 2026 at 3:44am

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Joey Bueno Breese has been named the recipient of the $10,000 2026 Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award for his film 'El Rio Nuestro.' Devin O'Guinn received the $2,500 Audience Award for his film 'Julian.' Both winners were presented with their prizes during a special ceremony on Friday at Frieze Los Angeles at the Santa Monica Airport.

Why it matters

The Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award supports early-career filmmakers in Los Angeles and is produced in collaboration with Ghetto Film School. The award continues to spotlight filmmakers whose work reflects the courage and imagination of the city.

The details

Now in its seventh year, the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award supports early-career filmmakers in Los Angeles and is produced in collaboration with Ghetto Film School. The shortlisted films were presented online and at the fair. Since its launch in 2019, the award has supported more than 40 fellows, serving as an incubator for next-generation talent within the industry.

  • The awards ceremony took place on Friday at Frieze Los Angeles at the Santa Monica Airport.

The players

Joey Bueno Breese

The recipient of the $10,000 2026 Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award for his film 'El Rio Nuestro.'

Devin O'Guinn

The recipient of the $2,500 Audience Award for his film 'Julian.'

Connie Britton

Emmy- and Golden Globe–nominated actor and producer who served as a juror.

Claudio de Sanctis

Head of Private Bank and member of the Management Board at Deutsche Bank who served as a juror.

Ché Chisholm

Chief Executive Officer of Ghetto Film School who served as a juror.

Orlando von Einsiedel

Oscar–winning director who served as a juror.

Jorge Villon

Founder of Grace Lab who served as a juror.

Christine Messineo

Americas, Frieze director who commented on the award.

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What they’re saying

“In its seventh year, the Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award continues to spotlight filmmakers whose work reflects the courage and imagination of this city. This year, the films respond to the theme of Renewal and Resilience in deeply personal and socially aware ways – from confronting histories to finding new purpose. The fellows remind us that storytelling is a vital tool for transformation, both for the artist and the community.”

— Christine Messineo, Americas, Frieze director (Variety)

“In celebrating the 2026 Deutsche Bank Frieze LA Film Awards, I extend my warmest congratulations to Joey Bueno Breese, this year's Jury Award recipient, and to Devin O'Guinn, honored with the Audience Award. Their work leaves a lasting impression on all who engage with it. At Deutsche Bank, we are proud to champion artists whose creativity challenges and enriches cinematic expression.”

— Claudio de Sanctis, Head of Private Bank and member of the Management Board at Deutsche Bank (Variety)

The takeaway

The Deutsche Bank Frieze Los Angeles Film Award continues to be an important incubator for up-and-coming filmmakers in Los Angeles, supporting their creativity and helping to elevate diverse voices in the industry.