2026 Film Fest Knox Reveals Tim Blake Nelson as the Honoree of the James Agee Prize

      Film Fest Knox is a relatively recent event, but it has quickly gained attention: now entering its fourth year, the festival aims to showcase a blend of annual favorites, regional cinema, and experimental films, including several that seek greater visibility. As preparations are underway for the 2026 edition, scheduled for November 12-15, the festival has announced that the second annual James Agee Prize will be awarded to Tim Blake Nelson in honor of his “significant contributions to American regional cinema.” On November 14, alongside the award ceremony, two screenings of Nelson’s directorial works will take place: the 1997 Independent Spirit Award-winning Eye of God and this year’s The Leader, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival, where Nelson was also featured in some photographs.

      Read the complete press release below and more information at Film Fest Knox:

      FILM FEST KNOX will occur at the Regal Riviera in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, from November 12–15, 2026. The fourth installment of the festival will pay tribute to acclaimed artist Tim Blake Nelson with the James Agee Prize and will highlight his contributions as an actor, writer, director, and producer in American regional cinema. Festival passes are available for purchase starting today, Tuesday, August 18, priced at $100. VIP festival passes are also offered for $275. Additional programming and ticket options will be announced in the weeks ahead.

      Named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, film critic, journalist, and poet, the James Agee Prize recognizes artists who have made noteworthy contributions to American regional cinema. Nelson has dedicated a significant portion of his career to intimate, personal projects, including recent work as a producer on an increasing number of films created outside of Los Angeles and New York City, such as Old Henry (2021, Tennessee), Asleep in My Palm (2023, Ohio), Bang Bang (2024, Kentucky), and The School Duel (2025, Florida).

      To honor this year's recipient, FILM FEST KNOX will present a special theatrical screening of Nelson's Eye of God (1997), the Independent Spirit Award-winning tale of a small-town waitress, portrayed by Martha Plimpton in an impressive performance, whose pen-pal visits after being released from prison.

      Nelson will receive the James Agee Prize on Saturday, November 14, following a screening of his latest film as both lead and producer, The Leader, which debuted in June at the Tribeca Film Festival. Described by Variety as a “fright film of the soul,” The Leader tells the true story of the “Heaven’s Gate” cult and features Vera Farmiga and Jim Parsons, alongside Nelson.