Zurich — Tom Quinn, founder and CEO of U.S. indie film company Neon, will be honored with the prestigious Game Changer Award at the Zurich Summit on September 27, during the 21st Zurich Film Festival.
The award celebrates innovation and leadership in the film industry, recognizing figures who embrace change and forward-thinking strategies. Festival organizers praised Quinn’s role in shaping the future of independent cinema.
Since launching Neon in 2017, Quinn has overseen a remarkable rise. In just eight years, the company has earned 39 Academy Award nominations and 11 wins, including two for Best Picture. Neon’s total box office earnings have surpassed $400 million.
Notable successes include Sean Baker’s Anora, which won five Oscars including Best Picture and posted the highest per-screen average of 2024, and Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite, which made history as the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture. Parasite grossed over $54 million in the U.S. alone.
This year at Cannes, Neon debuted several high-profile titles including Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value, Julia Ducournau’s Alpha, Raoul Peck’s Orwell: 2+2=5, and Michael Angelo Covino’s Splitsville, starring Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona. Neon also produced Splitsville.
Zurich Film Festival director Christian Jungen praised Quinn’s impact on global cinema. “Since its inception, Neon has championed bold, innovative films. Tom’s passion, sharp instincts, and business insight have turned Neon into a cult label that connects U.S. and international audiences,” Jungen said. “In today’s challenging environment, Neon proves that artistic quality can lead to commercial success.”
Previous winners of the Game Changer Award include Roeg Sutherland of CAA, CODA producer Patrick Wachsberger, Warner Bros. executive Pamela Abdy, and Sony Pictures Classics heads Michael Barker and Tom Bernard.
Quinn expressed gratitude for the recognition. “To be honored with the Game Changer Award is incredibly humbling,” he said. “Zurich is a rare chance for the industry to reflect, collaborate, and push cinema forward. I’m thankful to be part of this community of cinephiles and look forward to celebrating together.”
The Zurich Film Festival runs from September 26 to October 6.
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