Short Term 12, the teen-based drama by director Destin Cretton, was crowned top narrative feature length at the South by Southwest festival in Austin Tuesday night (March 12), taking home the the grand jury prize for best narrative feature. Also scooping awards on the night was William and the Windmill, which took home best documentary; and Burma, which won best ensemble cast.

SXSW

Short Term 12 aas the big winner at the Grand Jury awards at this years SXSW

Starring Brie Larson and John Gallagher Jr., Short Term 12 tells the story of a young woman (Larson) who supervises at a foster-care home, whilst having to deal with her own troubled past too. The film is Cretton’s second feature to make it to SXSW, following last year’s I Am Not a Hipster, which drew an equally warm response but failed to pick up any awards from the SXSW jury. Following its world premier on Sunday (March 10), the film has been a hit with audiences and film execs alike and it is expected to be sold by Traction and Cinetic during the festival so it can be given a wider release.

Janet Pierson, the Film Conference and Festival Producer for the music/film festival was particularly impressed with the turnout for this years awards, and said in an official statement, “The feedback for the entire program this year has been so enthusiastic and rewarding. We know the juries had a tough job…but we’re thrilled with the quality of the work recognized.”

Last night's awards are not the only celebrations that the film makers have to look forward to at SXSW either, with the Audience Award winners being announced Saturday March 16. The full list of winners of the Grand Jury awards are below.

 

Feature Documentary Awards 

Feature Documentary: William and the Windmill

Special Jury Recognition for Cinematography: Touba

Director of Photography: Scott Duncan

Special Jury Recognition for Directing: We Always Lie To Strangers

Directors: AJ Schnack & David Wilson

 

Narrative Feature Awards

Narrative Feature: Short Term 12

Special Jury Recognition for Ensemble Cast: Burma

(Christopher Abbott, Gaby Hoffmann, Christopher McCann, Dan Bittner, Emily Fleischer, Jacinta Puga, Matt McCarthy, Kelly Aucoin)

Special Jury Recognition for Acting: Tishuan Scott, The Retrieval

 

Short Film Jury Awards

Best Narrative Short: Ellen is Leaving

Honorable Mentions: Sequin Raze, SKIN

Documentary Short: SLOMO

Midnight Short: The Apocalypse

Animated Short: Oh Willy…

Music Video: Vitalic - 'Stamina'

Texas High School Short: The Benfactress

 

SXSW Film Design Awards

Excellence in Poster Design: Kiss of the Damned (Akiko Stehrenberger, Gravillis Inc)

Special Jury Recognition: We Always Lie To Strangers (PalaceWorks)

Excellenece in Title Design: Joven & Alocada

Special Jury Recognition: Crave

 

SXSW Special Awards

SXSW Chicken & Egg Emergent Narrative Woman Director: Hannah Fidell, A Teacher

Special Mention: Katie Graham. Zero Charisma

Louis Black 'Lone Star' Award: Loves Her Gun

Karen Schmeer Film Editing Fellowship: Jim Hession