Orpheus Awards Presented • Alexandre Desplat Honored • Greek and Cypriot Cinema Comes to Hollywood

The 20th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) concluded its landmark anniversary celebration on Sunday, May 31, 2026, with a memorable evening of film, music, and cultural appreciation at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

Presented in collaboration with the American Cinematheque, the Closing Night ceremony honored Greek and Cypriot cinema while bringing together filmmakers, artists, industry professionals, and enthusiastic audiences.

Founded in 2007, LAGFF has grown into one of the most important showcases for Greek-language films outside Greece. Over two decades, the festival has presented hundreds of features, documentaries, and shorts, while nurturing emerging talent and fostering cultural exchange between Southern California and the Greek diaspora.

Director Myrsini Aristidou

Under the direction of Artistic and Festival Director Aristotle Katopodis, this year's program highlighted both the festival's rich history and the vibrant future of contemporary Greek and Cypriot filmmaking. Audiences enjoyed a full week of screenings, panel discussions, and industry events that showcased outstanding creativity from Greece, Cyprus, and Greek communities worldwide.

A Night of Honors

One of the evening's highlights was the presentation of the Honorary Orpheus Award to acclaimed composer Alexandre Desplat. The two-time Academy Award winner has created some of the most memorable and emotionally resonant film scores of our time, including The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Shape of Water, The King's Speech, and Little Women. His work continues to set a gold standard for cinematic composition.

The festival also paid special tribute to longtime benefactor George Kolovos and the entire Kolovos family, whose steadfast support over twenty years has been instrumental to LAGFF's success.

Best Feature Award: Hold Onto Me (Krata Me)

Malcom Washington with Alexandre Desplat

The Closing Night film, Hold Onto Me, directed by Myrsini Aristidou, received the Orpheus Award for Best Feature Film. The emotionally powerful coming-of-age drama follows 11-year-old Iris in Cyprus as she boldly seeks out her estranged father while her mother is away on vacation. What begins as an awkward and unconventional reconnection gradually evolves into a profound father-daughter bond, tested by hardship and ultimately strengthened by love, forgiveness, and resilience.

Winner of the Sundance World Cinema Audience Award, the film earned praise for its authentic storytelling, subtle performances, and sensitive direction. Rather than relying on melodrama, Aristidou draws viewers into the intimate emotional world of her characters through beautifully observed moments of vulnerability, balancing heartbreak with hope.

Following the screening, actor Michael Grant moderated an engaging Q&A with director Myrsini Aristidou, offering the audience valuable insight into the film's creative journey.

A Festive Close

Maria Petrova

After the awards, guests gathered in the Egyptian Theatre courtyard for a celebratory reception hosted by the Kolovos Family. The evening featured gourmet Mediterranean cuisine by PETROS Restaurant, wines from AVRA, specialty beverages from Kastra Elion, and Smartwater refreshments.

As the 20th anniversary edition concluded, the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival reaffirmed its position as one of Southern California's most vital cultural events - a dynamic bridge between Hollywood and the rich cinematic heritage of Greece and Cyprus.

For more information, visit http://www.lagff.org or email [email protected].