Jesse Eisenberg’s ‘The Debut’ Wins Middleburg Film Festival Audience Award

Jesse Eisenberg’s “The Debut” snagged the top prize at the Middleburg Film Festival, which ran Oct. 15-18.

Starring Julianne Moore, Eisenberg’s third directorial outing won the audience award at the Virginia festival, which held its 14th edition over the weekend. Ava DuVernay’s “14th” took home the prize for best documentary feature, while “La Bola Negra” won best international feature.

“The Debut” opened this year’s festival, with a Q&A with Moore and Eisenberg following the screening. The film premiered at Telluride to best picture buzz, positioning Moore and co-star Paul Giamatti to be in Oscar conversations in the coming months.

Middleburg presented several tributes and honors over its four-day weekend. Léa Seydoux received the Outstanding Achievement in Acting Award for her role in “Gentle Monster.” Jordan Firstman received the Breakthrough Filmmaker Award for his feature directorial debut, “Club Kid,” which he wrote, directed and starred in.

Composer Daniel Pemberton was recognized with the Distinguished Composer Award for his work on “Project Hail Mary” and Danny Boyle’s “Ink.” Jack O’Connell received the Spotlight Actor Award for his performance as former tabloid editor Larry Lamb in the latter.

Olivia Colman attended the festival for both “Elsinore” and “Wicker.” “Elsinore” makeup and hair designer Nadia Stacey was presented with the Distinguished Makeup & Hair Design Award.

“The Odyssey” costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, production designer Ruth de Jong and editor Jennifer Lame received the Variety Creative Collaborators award. Variety’s Jazz Tangcay moderated a conversation with the artisans on Oct. 16.

Following each screening, festivalgoers cast their vote for their favorite films. This year’s first runner-up was “Elsinore,” starring Andrew Scott and Colman and second runner-up was “Wild Horse Nine,” starring John Malkovich.