Lights, Camera, Contenders! The 2025 Contenders Film Portrait Studio in Los Angeles was a star-studded affair, and you won't believe who showed up! On November 15th, the Directors Guild of America buzzed with excitement as the casts and crews of some of the most anticipated films of the year gathered for a day of portraits and celebration.
The turnout was nothing short of massive, with a dazzling array of talent gracing the studio. We're talking about major stars like Sydney Sweeney (from Christy), June Squibb (of Eleanor the Great), the dynamic duo Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater (from Blue Moon), and the ever-captivating Rami Malek, alongside James Vanderbilt (from Nuremberg).
But the international flavor was just as impressive! Filmmaker Park Chan-Wook and actor Lee Byung Hun (from No Other Choice) brought their talents to the event. And let's not forget the Sentimental Value team, including director Joachim Trier and cast members Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning.
Adding to the star power were director Joseph Kosinski (from F1), Producer Allan Mandelbaum, Cinematographer Malik Hassan Sayeed, and Casting Director Jessica Ronane (from After The Hunt). Also in attendance were Isamu Imakake (from Dragon Heart: Adventures Beyond This World) and director Ryan Coogler (from Sinners).
The afternoon segment of the Contenders event promised even more excitement, starting with an honor for Guillermo del Toro, who received the Contenders Hall of Fame Award. Following the tribute, the program featured Director Neeraj Ghaywan and actors Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa (from Homebound). Next up were Writer/Director/Producer Scott Cooper and Producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Eric Robinson (from Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere). Closing out the afternoon, the creative team behind Hedda—Writer/Director/Producer Nia DaCosta, Producer/Actor Tessa Thompson, and Production Designer Cara Brower—took center stage.
Now, let's dive into some of the stunning portraits from the event!
- Christy:
- Sydney Sweeney and Kerry Kohansky-Roberts
- Sydney Sweeney
- Sydney Sweeney
- Kerry Kohansky-Roberts
- Sentimental Value:
- Joachim Trier, Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning
- Joachim Trier
- Stellan Skarsgård
- Renate Reinsve
- Elle Fanning
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas
- No Other Choice:
- Lee Byung Hun and Park Chan-wook
- Park Chan-wook
- Lee Byung Hun
- F1:
- Joseph Kosinksi and Al Nelson
- Joseph Kosinksi
- Al Nelson
- After the Hunt:
- Jessica Ronane
- Malik Hassan Sayeed
- Sinners:
- Andy Gill (Stund Co-ordinator)
- Eleanor the Great:
- Tory Karman
- Blue Moon:
- Ethan Hawke
What do you think? Which film are you most excited to see? Did any of these portraits catch your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
