The Austin Film Festival has announced its first honorees for 2026, recognizing significant contributions to film and television. Hollywood veteran Nina Jacobson and television creator Eric Kripke will be celebrated with the festival’s two highest honors.

Honoring a Hollywood Veteran: Nina Jacobson

Nina Jacobson will receive the festival’s prestigious award recognizing outstanding achievement in producing. She joins a distinguished list of previous honorees, solidifying her place among industry leaders.

A Career Spanning Decades

Jacobson began her career in 1988 at Silver Pictures as director of film development. She contributed to the development of numerous films before earning her first producer credit in 2010 with Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Prior to forming her own company, Jacobson served as president of Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group at The Walt Disney Company. During her tenure, she oversaw mega-franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Chronicles of Narnia.

In 2007, Jacobson founded Color Force, a production company that has achieved considerable success with television series such as The Hunger Games.

Recognizing a Television Storyteller: Eric Kripke

AFF’s Outstanding Television Writer Award will be presented to Eric Kripke, the creator, executive producer, and showrunner of The Boys.

A Familiar Face to AFF

This isn’t Kripke’s first recognition from the Austin Film Festival. He previously won both the jury and audience awards for Narrative Student Short in 1997 for his film “Truly Committed.” He joins past writer award recipients like Yvette Lee Bowser.

Kripke is known for his successful adaptation of the comic book series The Boys for the small screen. He has also expanded the franchise with spin-off series, including Gen V.

The award ceremony will take place on October 31st as part of the AFF conference. Badges and film passes for the festival and conference are currently available at AFF website.