Photo Flash: Kathleen Turner and More at SVA's 2015 Dusty Awards

School of Visual Arts (SVA) proudly announced the winners of its 2015 Dusty Film & Animation Festival and Awards, now in its 26th year, at the Dusty Awards held May 12, 2015 at New York City's SVA Theatre (333 W. 23rd Street). Highlighting the work of more than 100 filmmakers and animators graduating from the BFA Film & Video and BFA Animation departments, the annual awards were bestowed at this event. Scroll down for photos!

This year's Dusty presenters included notables from the world of film, television and animation, including Kathleen Turner, Daniel Minahan, Alex Kupershmidt, Deborah Dickson, Chris Prynoski, Alexander Dinelaris, Mary Harron, Jesse Averna, Martin Ahlgren, Chris Newman, Andre Degas, Alexis Alexanian and Zach Mandinach. The event was hosted by media personality Valerie Smaldone.

One hundred percent of the sponsors' donations will benefit thesis students in the form of grants and in-kind awards.

2015 DUSTY Winners:

Film:

Outstanding Film: Paola Bernardini, Citta' dei Sogni

Outstanding Documentary: Exa Zim, Alexa to Exa

Outstanding Achievement in Directing: Lorenzo Zanini, Sexy Jalapeños

Outstanding Achievement in Screenwriting: Meaghan Jane Cleary, The Latchkey Kids

Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography: Yana Karin, Citta' dei Sogni

Outstanding Achievement in Editing: Jared Simon, Citta' dei Sogni

Gotham Honorary Sound Grants: Henry Myers, Brian Perry, Sven Rethemeier

New York Women in Film & Television Award: Paola Bernardini, Citta' dei Sogni

Independent Filmmaker Project Award (IFP): James Camali and Joshua Barclay, Gary

Human Spirit Award: Alexandra Kopec, The Artificial Womb

Special Jury Award - Film: Rory Pfotenhauer, Japanese Fantasies

Animation:

Outstanding Animated Film: Claire van Ryzin, HOTBOD

Outstanding Achievement in Character Animation: Kyra Kupetsky, The Thrill of the Haunt and Elena Manetta, On Schedule

Outstanding Achievement in Animation Production Design: Chelsea Quinlan, W?NDERLUST

Special Jury Award - Animation: Rena Parisi, hiccup

"We are so proud, in this 26th year of the Dustys, to recognize these promising filmmakers and animators," said Reeves Lehmann, chair of the BFA Film & Video and BFA Animation programs at SVA. "We are excited to celebrate the successes of our students with many guests from the worlds of film and animation." Festival producer/director, SVA faculty member and independent film producer Annie Flocco said, "We'd also like to extend a big thank you to our many generous sponsors and supporters, some of whom have been with us for many years, and to the spectacular SVA Theatre crew for collaborating on another year of stellar events."

The 26th Annual Dusty Film & Animation Festival and Awards kicked off Saturday, May 9 and ran through Tuesday, May 12. The program included screenings of more than 100 films, documentaries and animations, culminating with the awards ceremony. Over its more than a quarter-century history, the Dustys has launched the careers of numerous SVA graduates, many of whom have gone on to earn international recognition on the film scene.

School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers and creative professionals for more than six decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, dynamic curriculum and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprised of more than 6,000 students at its Manhattan campus and 35,000 alumni in 100 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For information about the College's 32 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, visit sva.edu.