21st Annual Best of the Midwest Awards | Midwest Royale
An outdoor summer evening soirée honoring the filmmakers, artists, and stories that brought this year's festival to life.
July 26 @ 6pm CDT
As Midwest Royale draws to a close, join us at CineCity Studios for the Best of the Midwest Awards—an evening dedicated to celebrating the filmmakers, artists, and creative voices shaping the future of Midwest cinema. Gather with our community for a memorable summer night honoring the stories and storytellers that brought this year's festival to life.
Can't join us in person? You can still be part of the celebration. Every donation helps champion Midwest filmmakers, expand year-round programming, and invest in the future of regional storytelling. This event will be held outdoors, weather permitting.
The Best of the Midwest Awards
The films may end, but the celebration is just getting started. After four unforgettable days of storytelling, celebration, and community, Midwest Royale culminates in an evening dedicated to the artists who make it all possible.
Join us for the grand finale of Midwest Royale as we gather under the summer sky at CineCity Studios for an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, stories, and creative spirit that define Midwest filmmaking. It's the night the entire Midwest film community comes together.
Filmmakers. Industry leaders. Creative collaborators. Audiences. Champions of independent cinema.
Throughout the evening, we'll crown this year's Best of the Midwest Award winners while sharing one last night together before the curtain closes on Midwest Royale.
Every ticket purchased does more than get you into the celebration of the summer. It helps sustain Midwest Film Festival's year-round work supporting independent filmmakers through screenings, workforce development, educational programming, and opportunities that keep Midwest stories thriving long after the festival ends.
Whether you've attended every day of Midwest Royale or are joining us for the finale, this is the night everyone looks forward to—the conversations continue, collaborations begin, and our creative community gathers to celebrate everything we've built together.
We'll save you a place under the stars
Evening Schedule
6:00 PM | VIP Reception
An intimate welcome for sponsors, filmmakers, and special guests. Enjoy great food, cocktails, conversation, and an exclusive opportunity to connect before the evening begins.
7:00 PM | General Admission
The celebration begins as the Midwest film community gathers for an unforgettable night honoring the people and stories that defined this year's festival.
7:30 PM | Best of the Midwest Awards
Celebrate the filmmakers, artists, and creative voices whose work continues to elevate Midwest storytelling while supporting Midwest Film Festival's year-round mission.
10:00 PM | Final Toast
Raise a final glass to another incredible festival season, the stories that brought us together, and everything still to come.
Location
Cinecity
2429 W 14th St, Chicago, IL 60608
This event will be held outdoors, unless weather permits otherwise.
Parking
VIP ticket holders will have valet parking in Lot A.
Our fabulous GA attendees will have valet parking in Lot B.
Valet parking is $20