Contenders Film Los Angeles Showcases 15 Movies For Awards Season

The latest edition of deadline contenders film is currently underway, taking audiences on a cinematic journey from local stories in Los Angeles to outer space. Hosted live at the DGA Theater, the all-day event spotlights the casts and creative teams behind 15 films representing eight different studios and streaming services.

Among the highlighted projects is Peter Farrelly's I Play Rocky, which explores the backstory of a young Sylvester Stallone across Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Jersey City. Farrelly is set to receive this year's Contenders Hall of Fame Award alongside a panel featuring writer Peter Gamble and lead actor Anthony Ippolito. Meanwhile, Siân Heder's Being Heumann highlights the true story of disability rights activist Judy Heumann in San Francisco, joined on stage by star Ruth Madeley and casting directors.

Animation fans are getting a look at Toy Story 5, featuring the return of beloved characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear, presented by producer Lindsey Collins. Oregon serves as the backdrop for Hoppers, where teenager Mabel tackles a local mayor by infiltrating a beaver community, discussed by director Daniel Chong and actor Piper Curda. Other featured projects include Bassam Tariq's Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother set in Houston, and New York-based stories such as The Only Living Pickpocket in New York and Tuner.

Deadline event showcases fifteen major films and their creative teams live in Los Angeles.

European and fantastical settings are also heavily featured. Florian Zeller's Bunker brings marital drama to London using Madrid as a backdrop, starring Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem. Wicker transports audiences to a UK fantasy location with Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård. Sci-fi and adventure take center stage with Project Hail Mary, featuring Ryan Gosling on a mission to save the world, and Jennifer Peedom's Tenzing, which climbs Mount Everest with Tom Hiddleston. Finally, animated feature Hexed takes audiences into a magical realm with voice talent including Jodie Foster and Hailee Steinfeld.

In addition to the film panels, director Danny Boyle is on hand to receive the Deadline Legend Award following the Venice Film Festival premiere of his latest film, Ink.

Why it matters

This all-day event provides industry insiders and film enthusiasts with an exclusive look at the major motion pictures competing during the upcoming awards season. By bringing together directors, actors, writers, and producers in one location, the gathering offers unique insights into the creative processes and true stories behind some of the year's most anticipated cinematic releases.