Hudson Hillin (16) is an American filmmaker, actor, and writer. He is a YoungArts Winner with Distinction in Film. His short "Instant" (USA) additionally wins: Best Cinematography, Best Student Film, Best Director at the Top Indie Film Awards. A "Semi-Finalist" BAFTA Qualifying (RIIFF) Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival, Winner "Award of Merit" Young Filmmaker IndieFest Film Awards (IFFA) and a recipient of the "Jury and Audience Award" at the 2026 Sierra Canyon Film Festival (LA). Official Selection Academy Award® Qualifying LA Shorts International Film Festival (LASIFF), Emerging Talent Nominee All-American High School Film Festival (NY), Catalina Film Festival (CFF), and Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF). Next Generation "Best Narrative" Winner ND Optics Film Festival (LA) with additional selections at Julien Dubuque Intl FF, Norwalk FF, and NFFTY 2026.
His short "Newman's Block" won the "FutureWave Shorts Award" at Academy Award® Qualifying - Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF), "Best Student Short" Los Angeles Independent Film Festival (LAIFF), "Best Young Director" at MONZA Film Fest (ITLY), and received the "Jury Award" at the 2025 Sierra Canyon Film Festival (LA). Notably, "Newman's Block" made Finalist at UCLA Open Mind Film Festival, hosted by James Lafferty, Nominee for Best Maverick Award at the All American High School FF (NY), Finalist for Best High School Shorts at the Catalina Film Festival (LA), and Finalist for London Director Awards (LDN) 2025, among other selections. (Official selection: (NFFTY) National Film Festival for Talented Youth, Tallgrass FF, Indie Short Fest FF, and more.)
As an actor, Hudson Hillin attended Stagedoor Manor NY, where he's won multiple Outstanding Achievement in a Musical awards, and DTASC (Drama Teachers Association of Southern California) competition, he played George Bailey winning Best Actor and Group Drama Award.
From a young age, Hudson has always had a passion for filmmaking and acting. At 10 years old (height of Covid pandemic), he wrote, directed, and acted in "Letting Go," an award-winning short, touching upon ideas of connectivity with a light fantastical touch. Making "Letting Go" was a love letter to Los Angeles, a time he found was quiet. "I hoped that the film would “look like a memory” throughout that challenging time."