At the heart of every unforgettable film is a performance that brings it to life.
Celebrating Performance: WorldFest Acting Award Nominees
At the heart of every unforgettable film is a performance that brings it to life.
This year, WorldFest-Houston is proud to honor an extraordinary group of actors from around the world—artists who embody their roles with depth, courage, and emotional truth. From established international talents to rising voices shaping the future of cinema, these nominees represent the very best of storytelling through performance.
Across categories including Best Actress, Best Actor, Supporting Performances, and Rising Stars, this year’s selections span continents, cultures, and styles—reflecting the global spirit of WorldFest and our commitment to discovering and celebrating exceptional talent.
These performances move us, challenge us, and stay with us long after the credits roll.
🎬 Join us as we celebrate the actors who remind us why we watch, why we feel, and why storytelling matters.
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Vico Escorcia
"DISDAIN"
Director: Gabo Ramos
Country: Mexico
Vico Escorcia (born Victoria Escorcia) is a Mexican-French actress recognized for her work
in both independent cinema and major streaming
productions.
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Mathilde Warnier
“ANORGASMIA” A.K.A. Things We Do to Survive
Director: Jon Gustaffson
Country: Canada/Czechia/Iceland
Mathilde Warnier (born October 22, 1991) is a French actress, model, and columnist who gained international recognition for her role in the BBC/Netflix crime drama The Serpent.
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Rina Takeda (武田 梨奈)
“SHAMBAHLA STORY”
Director: Toshio Sekine
Country: Japan
Rina Takeda (武田 梨奈) is a prominent Japanese actress, singer, and professional martial artist known for performing her own stunts and high-intensity fight sequences.
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Edoardo Leo
“Love in Separate Beds”
Director: Massimiliano Bruno
Country: Italy
Edoardo Leo (born April 21, 1972) is a prominent Italian actor, director, and screenwriter
who has become a staple of contemporary Italian cinema, particularly known for his work
in sophisticated comedies and social dramas.
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Gonçalo Waddington
“Star Sailors”
Director: Fernando Vendrell
Country: Portugal
Gonçalo Waddington was born September 25, 1977, and is a prolific Portuguese actor, director, and screenwriter who has been a mainstay of Portugal's stage and screen for over two decades.
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Tzu-yi MO
“Shambhala Story”
Director: Toshio Sekine
Country: Japan
Born in New Taipei City, Mo had a self-described rebellious youth, nearly being expelled from high school after failing multiple subjects. He found salvation in his school's drama club, which
ignited a lifelong passion for performance. He went on to graduate from the Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA), where he famously earned a record-breaking 220 credits in five years.
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| BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS NOMINATIONS |
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Eugene Domingo
“UnMarry”
Director: Jeffrey Jeturian
Country: Philippines
Eugene Domingo (born July 23, 1971) is a highly
acclaimed Filipino actress, comedian, and presenter. Often referred to as the "Comedy Star for All Seasons," she is the only actress in Philippine cinema to have participated in six films produced by different companies that all premiered at the same time during the Metro Manila Film Festival in 2007.
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Ayşen İnci
“The Family Matter”
Director: Metin Kuru
Country: Turkey
Aysen Inci is a highly esteemed Turkish theater, film, and television actress with a career spanning over four decades. A graduate of the Ankara State Conservatory, she spent much of her early career as a dedicated member of the Turkish State Theatres, performing in dozens of classical and contemporary plays.
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Amanda Brugel
“Dancing on the Elephant”
Director: Julia Neil & Jacob Z. Smith
Country: Canada
Amanda Brugel is a celebrated Canadian actress known for her powerful performances across television and film. She rose to international prominence for her role as Rita in the acclaimed dystopian series The Handmaid's Tale, for which she received several Screen Actors Guild Award nominations as part of the ensemble cast.
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| BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR NOMINATIONS |
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Jefferson White
“Bonding”
Director: Victoria Trofimenko
Country: USA
Jefferson White (born November 3, 1989) is an
American actor best known for his breakout role
as Jimmy Hurdstrom on the hit Paramount Network series Yellowstone. Originally from
Mount Vernon, Iowa, White studied at Iowa
State University before beginning his professional career in New York City.
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Tom Rodriguez
“UnMarry”
Director: Jeffrey Jeturian
Country: Philippines
Tom Rodriguez is a versatile Filipino-American actor, singer, and digital artist. Born in Subic Bay and raised in the United States, he first gained public attention as a contestant on Pinoy Big Brother: Double Up in 2009.
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Alfredo Narciso
“One Stupid Thing”
Director: Linda Yellen
Country: USA
Alfredo Narciso is an American actor known for his extensive work across television, film, and theater. He gained significant recognition for his role as Cleveland Castillo in the series Manifest and for portraying Captain Garrity in the hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty.
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| RISING STAR ACTRESS NOMINATIONS |
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Anna Mirodin
“The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo”
Director: Michael Walker
Country: USA
Anna Mirodin is a rising actress known for her work in television and film. She has gained recognition for her versatility and ability to portray complex characters in various genres, particularly within the drama and procedural fields.
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Zoe Massenti
“Classmates”
Director: Umberto Carteni
Country: Italy
Zoe Massenti (born August 24, 2002) is a prominent Italian actress, dancer, and social media personality. Originally from Rome, she first gained massive popularity as a digital creator, becoming one of Italy's most followed figures on TikTok.
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Alexandra Doke
"Bonding”
Director: Victoria Trofimenko
Country: USA
Alexandra Doke (born May 13, 2000) is an American actress known for her versatility across television and film. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she began her career as a child actor before establishing a steady presence in major network dramas and streaming hits.
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| RISING STAR ACTOR NOMINATIONS |
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Alexandro Byrd
“The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo”
Director: Michael Walker
Country: USA
Alexandro Byrd is an American actor and filmmaker known for his contributions to independent cinema. He gained notable recognition for his performance in the film The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo, a project that explores themes of heritage and folklore through a
contemporary lens.
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Tyson Palmer
“Pasa Faho”
Director: Kalu Oji
Country: Australia
Tyson Palmer is an Australian actor known for his work in independent cinema and television. He gained significant attention for his performance in the Australian film Pasa Faho, where he was noted for his grounded and authentic portrayal within the production's narrative.
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Jack Wright
“One Stupid Thing”
Director: Linda Yellen
Country: USA
Jack Wright (born March 29, 2003) is an American actor and prominent digital creator who has successfully transitioned from social media stardom to traditional cinema. Originally from California, he first gained massive public attention as a member of the creative collective The Hype House, known for his background in track and field and his engaging personality.
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