The “Breakout Awards and Panel” began at 4 p.m. Oct. 30, with a line drawn out the doors of Gutstein Gallery. Students and festival attendees anxiously awaited the up and coming young actors, which included Beanie Feldstein, Jharrel Jerome, Mena Massoud and Camila Morrone.
Hearing the “100 no’s to one yes” ratio has never quite sounded appealing until the recipients shared their excitement for those major “yes’s” that have propelled their careers towards their highly respected place in the film industry. The four actors shared advice they held onto when taking the big leap into acting careers. “Fill your pockets,” Feldstein quoted her old high school teacher. Booksmart actress encouraged audience members to retain “little bits of knowledge” they receive now and continue applying it in their creative careers.
Many believe that the best way to get noticed in an audition is by attending an in-person casting call, but 2019 Emmy Award winner, Jharrel Jerome provided a different perspective. “Moonlight” and “When They See Us” actor was discovered by his manager while performing in his high school play. Thankful for his manager observing his potential at a young age and then pushing him toward new opportunities, Jerome eventually got casted through numerous self tapes.
Later that day, the four actors joined other celebrities on the red carpet preceding the award ceremony at the Trustees Theater. In their exclusive interview, Massoud, Feldstein, Jerome and Morrone shared their experiences watching their films for the first time.
Interview by Jordan Petteys, Written by Paige Mathieson and Jordan Vescio, Video by Tyler Rispoli, Alex Puga and Jordan Vescio, Photos by Jordan Vescio, Nick Thomsen, Negan Fu
