Awards and Juried Competition

2026 Jurors

R.C. Samo

R.C. Samo is the founder of FanboyNation, FangirlNation, On The Reels and the soon-to-be-relaunched MMA Unbound. A journalist for nearly three decades, he has covered film, television, theater, professional wrestling and combat sports, with work appearing in Pro Wrestling Illustrated, The Oakland Tribune, Orange County Register and TIME Magazine. Samo has interviewed filmmakers, actors, athletes and other figures across entertainment and sports, and has served on several Critics Choice Awards committees. Outside journalism, he works as a college sports public address announcer and combat sports ring announcer, bringing his longtime interest in storytelling and live events to the microphone.

Wendy Llinás

Wendy Llinás is senior director of programming, development and specials at PBS, where she oversees the development, production and acquisition of original programs focused on independent film, culture and history. She collaborates with the teams behind PBS documentary series including Independent Lens, VOCES, the Peabody Award-winning Craft in America and POV. She also co-created PBS Creative Voices and leads filmmaker programs including PBS Open Call, the PBS Greaves Production Fund and the digital series Homegrown in partnership with Firelight Media. An Emmy-nominated producer and veteran journalist, Llinás has contributed to NBC News, ABC News and PBS. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies from Barnard College.

Brian Sebastian

Brian Sebastian is an entertainment producer, radio and TV personality and podcast host with nearly 30 years of industry experience. He began his career in radio, working at Los Angeles stations including KISS FM, Power 106 and 94.7 The WAVE before transitioning to television and digital media. He is the creator and host of Movie Reviews and More, an entertainment program featuring interviews with actors, musicians, artists and other figures across the industry. With a focus on engaging conversations that go beyond traditional interviews, Sebastian has built an international audience through a variety of broadcast and streaming platforms. His work spans film, television, music and popular culture, reflecting a longstanding commitment to exploring the people and stories behind the entertainment industry.