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💫

The Future

Last year, your generosity helped us raise more than $37,000, allowing Midwest Film Festival to expand opportunities for filmmakers and, for the first time, provide accommodations to our Best of the Midwest nominees.

This year, we're building on that momentum.

Our goal of $75,000 will help strengthen Midwest Film Festival's year-round impact by expanding filmmaker support, increasing access to educational and community programming, growing initiatives like the Midwest Film Fair, and creating more opportunities for the artists shaping the future of Midwest storytelling.

Together, we're not simply funding a festival—we're investing in the next generation of Midwest cinema.

Support Our Community

$500+ | Story Teller: Celebrate alongside the Midwest film community with two All-Access Passes to the 2026 Midwest Royale, including all three festival days at Ramova Theatre and admission to the Best of the Midwest Awards at CineCity Studios.

$1,000+ | Community Champion: Everything included at the Storyteller level, plus VIP Festival Access for Two throughout the 2026-2027 season and recognition on the Midwest Film Festival website as a supporter of regional filmmaking.

$2,500+ | Visionary Partner: Everything included above, plus VIP Festival Access for Four, a reserved table at the Best of the Midwest Awards, and on-screen recognition during the awards celebration.

$5,000+ | Legacy Partner: Become a featured supporter of Midwest storytelling with presenting sponsorship recognition for a marquee festival program or awards segment, in addition to all Visionary Partner benefits.

$10,000+ | Patron of the Arts: Help shape the future of Midwest cinema as a leading supporter of the 2026-2027 Midwest Film Festival season. Includes premier festival recognition, featured branding throughout the season, prominent placement on event materials and step-and-repeat, and all benefits from previous levels.

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

COMMUNITY SPONSORS

PARTNERING SPONSORS

PREMIERE SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSORS

SPONSORS

21st Annual Best of the Midwest Awards | Midwest Royale

Expanding the Frame in the New Era of Midwest Royale