The HollyShorts Movie Pageant is pulling out all of the stops for its twenty first version, assembling a powerhouse lineup that includes world music icon Stormzy, the late Michael Madsen, Viola Davis, Stephen Fry, Idris Elba, Letitia Wright and a number of different A-list expertise.

Working Aug. 7-17 on the TCL Chinese language Theatres in Los Angeles, the pageant will even stream globally through Bitpix, showcasing movies chosen from a report 7,000 submissions worldwide.

Stormzy stars in Academy Award winner Aneil Karia’s “Huge Man,” whereas Viola Davis takes heart stage as narrator of Emmai Alaquiva’s documentary “The Ebony Canal: The Story of Black Toddler Well being.” Idris Elba stars within the west coast premiere of “Victory,” the cinematic visible album from hip-hop icon Slick Rick, additionally that includes Nas and Giggs and directed by Meji Alabi. Stephen Fry stars alongside Miriam Margolyes in Lee Knight’s “A Buddy of Dorothy.”

Amongst different marquee entries, Madsen seems in Thibaud Goarin’s “The Issues We Carry,” which explores the cycle of gun violence in America. The pageant program notes the movie as one in all a number of addressing America’s urgent social points, together with Sam Hendersen’s “Ado,” that includes Jenifer Lewis in a transferring efficiency about faculty shootings and their aftermath.

Letitia Wright makes her directorial debut with “Freeway to the Moon,” marking a serious step ahead for the acclaimed actor.

A number of high-profile government producers are backing tasks this yr. Cate Blanchett government produces Mahnoor Euceph’s “11:11,” whereas Patty Jenkins and Chris Pine are behind Taylor Bakken’s “What’s the Cope with Birds.” Issa Rae government produces Jeremie Cander’s “Grief Retreat,” and Spike Lee backs Manya Glassman’s “How I Discovered to Die.”

The live-action slate options Andrew Leeds’ “Bulldozer,” boasting an ensemble forged together with Joanna Leeds, Tim Bagley, Nat Faxon, Allen Leech, Kate Burton, Mary Steenburgen, and Nick Armstrong. Tony Mucci’s “Cash Speak$” stars David Mazouz, 24kGoldn, Fredro Starr, Tyler “Hook” Senerchia, and Bo Dietl.

Different notable entries embody Meron Alon’s “Too Good” starring Jean Sensible, Warren Fu’s “Beneath the Infinite” that includes 2025 Tony Winner Darren Criss, and John de Menil’s “Fundamental Man” starring Haley Joel Osment and Finn Wittrock.

The documentary lineup options celeb jacket designer Jeff Hamilton’s “Welcome to My Roots,” directed by David Serero, which can premiere on opening night time within the sports activities class. Hamilton, recognized for crafting iconic jackets for Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Madonna, will obtain the Sports activities Tradition Icon Award. The documentary options appearances by LeBron James, Snoop Dogg, and DJ Khaled.

Animation entries embody John Kelly’s “Retirement Plan,” narrated by Domhnall Gleeson, which received awards at each SXSW and Palm Springs earlier this yr. Academy Award nominee Aaron Blaise’s “Snow Bear” showcases hand-drawn 2D animation, whereas Greg Franklin’s “The Whistle,” government produced by Josh Gad, tells a narrative set in Nazi Germany in 1938.

Jeremy Renner’s heartfelt tribute to his daughter, “Wait,” directed by Evan Hara, rounds out the music video choices.

As an Oscar-qualifying occasion, HollyShorts affords Academy Award consideration in 4 main classes: Finest Brief Movie Grand Prize, Finest Brief Animation, Finest Documentary Brief, and Finest Reside-Motion Brief.

The pageant will culminate with the HollyShorts Awards Gala on Aug. 17, the place winners will probably be revealed.