Film Fest Knox is still a new occurence, but one worth noting: the festival, just entering its fourth edition, has sought to program a mix of yearly favorites, regional cinema, and experimental works, in turn comprising more than a few films that struggle for finer exposure. As the 2026 edition, which will run November 12-15, prepares to unveil a lineup, they’ve announced that the second annual James Agee Prize is being handed to Tim Blake Nelson in recognition of his “significant contributions to American regional cinema.” Concurrent with the award ceremony on November 14 are two screenings of Nelson’s directorial work: 1997’s Independent Spirit Award-winning Eye of God and this year’s The Leader, which screened at this year’s Tribeca Festival, where Nelson was one of our photographic subjects.
Read the full press release below and more at Film Fest Knox:
FILM FEST KNOX will be held at the Regal Riviera in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, November 12–15, 2026. The fourth edition of the fest will honor acclaimed artist Tim Blake Nelson with the James Agee Prize and will showcase his work as an actor, writer, director, and producer of American regional cinema. Festival passes are on sale today, Tuesday, August 18, and are available for purchase. Festival passes are $100. VIP festival passes are also on sale for $275. Additional programming and ticketing options will be announced in the coming weeks.
Named for the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, film critic, journalist, and poet, the James Agee Prize honors artists who have made significant contributions to American regional cinema. Nelson has devoted much of his career to smaller, more personal projects, and in recent years, that has included serving as producer on a growing number of films made outside of Los Angeles and New York City, including Old Henry (2021, Tennessee), Asleep in My Palm (2023, Ohio), Bang Bang (2024, Kentucky), and The School Duel (2025, Florida).
In recognition of this year’s honoree, FILM FEST KNOX will present a rare theatrical screening of Nelson’s Eye of God (1997), the Independent Spirit Award-winning story of a small-town waitress—played by Martha Plimpton in a stunningly great performance—whose pen-pal arrives after being released from prison.
Nelson will be presented with the James Agee Prize on Saturday, November 14 following a screening of his most recent film as both star and producer, The Leader, which premiered in June at the Tribeca Film Festival. Praised by Variety as a “fright film of the soul,” The Leader recounts the true-life story of the “Heaven’s Gate” cult and stars Vera Farmiga and Jim Parsons, along with Nelson.
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