The Set Decorators Society of America recently celebrated the art of set decoration by announcing the winners of the SDSA Awards for films released in 2023. These awards recognize excellence in the field and highlight the talented individuals who bring life to on-screen sets. From period films to contemporary features, fantasy or science fiction to comedy or musicals, the winners showcased their exceptional skills in creating captivating and immersive environments.
The film 'Saltburn' emerged victorious in the category of Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Contemporary Feature Film. Set decorator Charlotte Dirickx, in collaboration with production designer Suzie Davies, beautifully crafted the sets to reflect the modern world depicted in the movie.
'Poor Things' was a double winner, claiming the prize for both Best Achievement in Décor/Design of a Period Feature Film and the coveted title of Best Picture. Set decorator Zsuzsa Mihalek, alongside production designers James Price and Shona Heath, created stunning visuals that transported audiences to different eras.
In the realm of fantasy and science fiction, 'Barbie' stood out with its mesmerizing set designs. Set decorator Katie Spencer, with production designer Sarah Greenwood, seamlessly blended imagination and creativity to bring the fantastical world of Barbie to life.
For the genre of comedy or musical, 'Asteroid City' claimed the top spot. Set decorator Kris Moran worked in collaboration with production designer Adam Stockhausen to create a vibrant and humorous environment that perfectly complemented the film's tone.
While these films took home the awards, it's important to acknowledge the other nominated films for their exceptional set decoration work. 'Oppenheimer,' 'Killers of the Flower Moon,' 'Maestro,' and 'Wonka' were among the notable nominees.
In other news, Gravitas Ventures released the trailer for the musical documentary 'Killing Me Softly With His Songs.' This engaging documentary delves into the life and work of renowned composer Charles Fox, known for his iconic compositions such as 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' and television show themes like 'Happy Days' and 'Wonder Woman.' The film explores Fox's incredible journey from the Bronx to Hollywood and eventually to Havana, Cuba.
Featuring live music performances and interviews with influential figures like Anne Sila, Common, and Henry Winkler, 'Killing Me Softly With His Songs' promises to captivate audiences with its celebration of a legendary composer's legacy.
In the realm of Asian entertainment, the Asia Society Southern California announced the honorees for its 14th U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit and Game Changer Awards. Recognizing individuals and projects that promote cross-cultural connections and representation in music, TV, and film, this event celebrates the power of diversity and inclusion.
Among the honorees are Lee Sung Jin, creator of the acclaimed series 'Beef,' Takashi Yamakazi and producer Kenji Yamada of 'Godzilla Minus One,' musician Anderson .Paak, pop sensation Rina Sawayama, and the cast and crew of the hit series 'Warrior.' Each of them has made significant contributions to the industry, breaking barriers and fostering a sense of unity across cultures.
The summit will also feature insightful panels, such as 'AWE: Changing the Game of Gaming,' discussing the role of Asian women in the gaming industry, and 'Timeless Iconic: Japanese IP Driving Franchise Forward,' which explores the impact of Japanese intellectual properties on global franchises.
In conjunction with the summit and awards dinner, the Asia Society Southern California will host the Asian Women Empowered Luncheon, honoring influential women in various fields, including Maya Rogers, Gita Rebbapregada, and Michelle Sugihara.
The SDSA Awards, the release of 'Killing Me Softly With His Songs,' and the U.S.-Asia Entertainment Summit and Game Changer Awards all serve as reminders of the incredible talent and accomplishments within the entertainment industry. From the meticulous craftsmanship of set decorators to the inspiring stories told through film and music, these events highlight the importance of creative expression and its ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds.
