SeriesFest has officially announced its non-competitive award winners for the upcoming 12th edition, revealing that the Colorado-based festival will honor some of television's most influential figures. Scheduled for May 8, the SeriesFest Soirée will present the inaugural Visionary Award to John J. Sie, founder and former chairman of Starz Entertainment Group, while indie icon Amy Seimetz will receive the Spotlight Performance Award. Sie, who has been a trailblazer in the cable television industry since launching Starz Entertainment in 1991, is recognized not only for founding a premium movie network but also for reshaping the landscape of entertainment. His visionary approach to content delivery paved the way for the streaming revolution, making him a fitting recipient of this year's Visionary Award. “John J. Sie's work has transformed the way we consume television,” said SeriesFest co-founder Randi Kleiner in a statement. “His commitment to storytelling has inspired countless creators over the decades.” Seimetz, known for her work on "The Testaments" and "The Girlfriend Experience," has made waves in both independent cinema and mainstream television. Her award-winning performances and directorial efforts reflect a fearless dedication to storytelling that resonates with audiences. At SeriesFest, Seimetz is not just a recipient of the Spotlight Performance Award; she will also attend a screening of "The Testaments" followed by a panel discussion about its connection to "The Handmaid’s Tale," where she will dive deep into her creative process and the narrative themes explored in the series. The event will also see Bridgerton director Gia-Rayne B. Harris receiving the Ambassador Award, a recognition that highlights her impactful contributions to television. Harris directed an episode in the fourth season of the Netflix sensation and participated in a mentorship program under the guidance of director Tom Verica. Her impressive portfolio includes 13 short films, and she will engage in a panel discussion titled "The Directors of Shondaland: Vision and Story," further cementing her status as a rising star in the industry. "SeriesFest aims to celebrate pioneers who reshape the landscape and storytellers who refuse to look away from the truth," said Kaily Smith, co-founder of SeriesFest. “This year’s honorees exemplify these values, and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements.” Adding to the intrigue of the evening, Michael Chernus, who portrays the notorious serial killer John Wayne Gacy in Peacock’s "Devil in Disguise," will also be honored. Chernus will participate in a panel titled “Impact in TV: Littleton Road Productions,” discussing the cultural implications of true crime storytelling. The Littleton Road Productions team behind "Devil in Disguise" will receive the Impact in Television Award, underscoring the festival's commitment to exploring the darker aspects of human experience through narrative. Throughout its five-day run from May 6 to 10, SeriesFest will not only celebrate the honorees but also serve as a platform for emerging creators to showcase their talent. The festival has garnered a reputation for elevating new voices in the industry, making it a key event on the entertainment calendar. The SeriesFest Soirée promises to be an evening of inspiration, recognition, and celebration of groundbreaking work in television. With its focus on storytelling that matters and the diverse voices behind it, this year's event is poised to honor a legacy of innovation in the entertainment industry. As the festival draws near, anticipation builds for the powerful conversations and stories that will unfold, making it clear that SeriesFest remains at the forefront of cultural discourse in television and film. With honorees like Seimetz and Sie leading the charge, the future of storytelling in the industry looks bright. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage with the pioneers shaping the television landscape today.