The 2025 SXSW Film and TV Festival witnessed an array of remarkable films, documentaries, and TV pilots that captured diverse narratives, impactful storytelling, and standout performances. Among the notable winners were Amy Wang’s Slanted, Benjamin Flaherty’s Shuffle, and Joe Tierney’s Fckups Anonymous*. Let’s dive into the key highlights, notable winners, and the broader impact of these outstanding projects.
Slanted Wins Big: A Powerful Narrative on Racial Identity
Amy Wang’s Slanted claimed the prestigious Grand Jury Prize in the narrative competition at the 2025 SXSW Film and TV Festival. The gripping satirical thriller explores themes of race, identity, and societal pressures.
Plot and Concept
Slanted follows the story of Joan Huang, a high school senior who undergoes an experimental racial transformation procedure to become white in hopes of securing the title of Prom Queen. The film delves into issues of cultural identity, acceptance, and social norms in a bold and thought-provoking way.
Critical Acclaim
The SXSW competition jury, composed of Variety’s Clayton Davis, Vanity Fair’s Rebecca Ford, and IndieWire’s Ryan Lattanzio, praised the film for its fearless storytelling and impactful themes. They described Slanted as:
Special Jury Awards in Narrative Competition
In addition to Slanted, two standout talents earned special jury awards:
- Annapurna Sriram was recognized for her multi-hyphenate contribution to Fucktoys.
- Amanda Peet received a performance award for her role in Fantasy Life.
Documentary Feature Competition: Shuffle Wins Grand Jury Prize
Directed by Benjamin Flaherty, Shuffle earned the Grand Jury Prize for the documentary feature competition. The gripping documentary investigates the complex world of insurance-driven addiction treatment fraud by following three individuals navigating the system.
Special Jury Awards in Documentary Category
Two additional documentaries received special recognition:
- The Python Hunt, directed by Xander Robin, explores environmental concerns with a unique narrative.
- Remaining Native, directed by Paige Bethmann, highlights Indigenous identity struggles and cultural preservation.
Independent TV Pilot Competition: Fckups Anonymous Triumphs*
In the independent TV pilot competition, F*ckups Anonymous, created by Joe Tierney and directed by Kat Whalen, took home the Grand Jury Prize. The show blends humor and emotion, exploring the struggles of individuals trying to rebuild their lives.
Special Jury Award in TV Pilot Category
- Denim, a series created and directed by Tedra Wilson, earned a special jury award for its compelling storytelling and character depth.
Notable Film Premieres at SXSW 2025
Apart from competition winners, the SXSW 2025 Festival also featured several highly anticipated film premieres:
- Another Simple Favor – A sequel to the hit mystery-comedy.
- The Accountant 2 – Starring Ben Affleck, continuing the thrilling narrative of a mathematics savant turned accountant for criminal organizations.
- Holland – A drama featuring Nicole Kidman, showcasing her powerful performance in an emotionally charged story.
The Cultural Impact of SXSW 2025
The SXSW Film and TV Festival continues to be a platform for innovative storytelling, bringing diverse voices and impactful narratives to the forefront. From thought-provoking social commentaries like Slanted to eye-opening documentaries such as Shuffle, the 2025 festival highlighted pressing issues, personal journeys, and creative expression in compelling ways.
