“Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” Triumph at ACE Eddie Awards: What It Means for the Oscars
The 76th ACE Eddie Awards, celebrating the art of film and television editing, have concluded, with Warner Bros.’ “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” taking home the top feature film honors. These wins aren’t just accolades for the editors, Michael P. Shawver and Andy Jurgensen respectively; they’re significant indicators as the Academy Awards approach on March 15.
The ACE Eddies: A Reliable Oscars Bellwether?
Historically, the ACE Eddie Awards have a strong correlation with the Oscars’ Best Editing category. Since 2000, the Eddie winner for theatrical drama has gone on to win the Academy Award 14 out of 26 times. While this predictive power has waned in recent years – with only “Oppenheimer” repeating the feat in the last five years – the awards still carry substantial weight. This year, both Shawver and Jurgensen are nominated for Oscars, alongside Stephen Mirrione (“F1”), Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie (“Marty Supreme”), and Olivier Bugge Coutté (“Sentimental Value”).
Beyond the Blockbusters: Recognizing Diverse Storytelling
The awards weren’t limited to mainstream hits. “KPop Demon Hunters” secured the award for Best Edited Animated Feature, highlighting Netflix’s growing influence in animation and its commitment to quality editing. Viridiana Lieberman won for Best Edited Documentary Feature with “The Perfect Neighbor,” a film also nominated for an Oscar in the same category. This recognition underscores the importance of editing in conveying compelling narratives across all genres.
Television Editing Takes Center Stage
The ACE Eddie Awards also celebrated excellence in television editing. “The Pitt” won Best Edited Drama Series, following its Emmy win, while “The Penguin” took the Limited Series award. “The Studio” and “Frasier” were recognized in the comedy categories. These wins demonstrate the increasing sophistication and importance of editing in the golden age of television.
A Moment of Remembrance and Artistic Dedication
The ceremony included poignant moments of tribute. Damian Rodriguez, who won for “Pee-wee as Himself – Part One,” dedicated his award to the late Paul Reubens, acknowledging his significant influence. Ang Lee, honored with the ACE Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award, dedicated his award to his long-time editor, Tim Squyres, emphasizing the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the central role of editing.
Editing as the Heart of Filmmaking
Lee eloquently described editing as the “real cooking” of filmmaking, comparing shooting to simply “buying groceries.” He emphasized that editing is at the center of his consciousness throughout the entire filmmaking process, a testament to its crucial role in shaping the final product. His comments highlight the often-unsung artistry and intellectual rigor required of film editors.
Addressing Difficult Subjects Through Editing
Erin Casper, who won Best Edited Short for “All The Empty Rooms,” a film focusing on the bedrooms of children lost to school shootings, intentionally avoided using the word “gun” in the film. This deliberate choice underscores the power of editing to convey profound emotional impact through visual storytelling and to address sensitive topics with nuance and respect.
The Future of Editing: Freedom of Expression and Technological Innovation
The win for “South Park’s” “Twisted Christian” episode in the Animated Series category highlighted the importance of artistic freedom and the boundaries of censorship. Editor David List celebrated the show’s willingness to challenge conventions and exercise First Amendment rights. As technology continues to evolve, editors will likely face novel challenges and opportunities to push creative boundaries.
ACE Eddie Awards 2026: Full List of Winners
- BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (Drama, Theatrical): “Sinners” – Michael P. Shawver
- BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (Comedy, Theatrical): “One Battle After Another” – Andy Jurgensen
- BEST EDITED ANIMATED FEATURE FILM: “KPop Demon Hunters” – Nathan Schauf
- BEST EDITED DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: “The Perfect Neighbor” – Viridiana Lieberman
- BEST EDITED DOCUMENTARY SERIES: “Pee-wee as Himself – Part One” – Damian Rodriguez
- BEST EDITED MULTI-CAMERA COMEDY SERIES: “Frasier” (Murder Most Finch) – Russell Griffin, ACE
- BEST EDITED SINGLE CAMERA COMEDY SERIES: “The Studio” (The Promotion) – Eric Kissack, ACE
- BEST EDITED DRAMA SERIES: “The Pitt” (6pm) – Mark Strand, ACE
- BEST EDITED FEATURE FILM (NON-THEATRICAL): “A Winter’s Song” – Yvette M. Amirian, ACE
- BEST EDITED LIMITED SERIES: “The Penguin” (A Great or Little Thing) – Henk van Eeghen, ACE
- BEST EDITED REALITY SERIES: “Conan O’Brien Must Go” (Austria) – Matthew Shaw, ACE & Brad Roelandt
- BEST EDITED VARIETY TALK/SKETCH SHOW OR SPECIAL: “Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special” – Paul Del Gesso, Christopher Salerno, Ryan Spears, Sean Mcilraith, ACE, Ryan Mcilraith & Daniel Garcia
- BEST EDITED ANIMATED SERIES: “South Park” (Twisted Christian) – David List & Nate Pellettieri
- BEST EDITED SHORT: “All The Empty Rooms” – Erin Casper, ACE, Stephen Maing & Jeremy Medoff
- ANNE V. COATES AWARD FOR STUDENT EDITING: Luis Barragan – California State University, Fullerton
FAQ
Q: Do the ACE Eddie Awards predict the Oscars?
A: Historically, there’s a strong correlation, but it’s not a guarantee. The ACE Eddie winner for drama has often gone on to win the Oscar, but this trend hasn’t held consistently in recent years.
Q: What is the significance of editing in filmmaking?
A: Editing is crucial for shaping the narrative, pacing, and emotional impact of a film. As Ang Lee noted, it’s the “real cooking” of filmmaking, transforming raw footage into a cohesive and compelling story.
Q: What types of projects are recognized by the ACE Eddie Awards?
A: The awards cover a wide range of projects, including feature films, documentaries, television series, shorts, and digital content.
Did you know? Ang Lee has worked with the same editor, Tim Squyres, for over 35 years, highlighting the importance of long-term creative partnerships in filmmaking.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to the editing in films and television shows. Notice how the cuts, pacing, and transitions affect your emotional response to the story.
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