"In Morocco, having sex outside of marriage is punishable by a jail term. When young, single Sofia (Maha Alemi) and her family discover she's about to give birth, director Meryem Benm'Barek-Aloïsi uses the subsequent family machinations to expose the hypocrisy intrinsic to Morocco's patriarchal culture."

"In Turkey's competitive workforce, jobs are spread thin, and Kamil has been unemployed for some time. When the opportunity for work finally arrives, it's in the form of a lower-paid job that displaces a Syrian refugee. Kamil takes the job in secret, working nights, but his problems worsen when he needs to pay for the necessary permits to operate the machinery used or risk losing his job."

"In the film Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek fully brings to life and embodies musical legend Freddie Mercury, in what is truly an outstanding performance for this fine actor. For his portrayal that is garnering much critical acclaim, it is our honor to present the 2018 Breakthrough Performance Award to Rami Malek."

"Mary Poppins Returns is a happy film, that re-creates the magic and adventure of the first film. In this outstanding sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family as they race to keep the bank's executives from foreclosing on their home. Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda lead an excellent ensemble cast that also includes Colin Firth, Meryl Streep, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer, Dick Van Dyke, Angela Lansbury and many others."

"The next time you order a filet of exotic fish in a restaurant, spare a thought for the thousands of men enslaved on Indonesian fishing vessels that overfish international waters. One indomitable woman and her small team work to free these slaves and bring them home."

"In this exuberant and heartfelt documentary, comedy writer Steve Young delves into the strange and little-known history of industrial musicals: original, Broadway-style extravaganzas that turned humble products like insurance and toilets into the stuff of magic."

"Asking deeply relevant questions about humanity and social responsibility, Markus Imhoof draws on his personal experience to show a global phenomenon - the struggle of thousands of refugees fleeing from Africa to Europe, and what happens when they reach their Eldorado."

The Vanguard Award is a group honor for a film's cast and director in recognition of their collective work on an exceptional film project.

"Bradley Cooper makes a stunning directorial debut with 'A Star Is Born'. Cooper captures authentic performances in this moving film that has emotionally resonated with audiences everywhere and is sure to be celebrated as one of the best pictures of the year. It is our honor to present the Director of the Year Award to Bradley Cooper."

"Alfonso Cuarón's latest feature, 'Roma,' is a masterful achievement in filmmaking," said festival chairman Harold Matzner. "Drawing upon his childhood memories, Cuarón has created an emotionally driven story about a family growing up in 1970s Mexico City. A film he not only directed, but also was a writer, producer, cinematographer and editor. For his ability to take on many roles and for his expert storytelling of this subject matter, the festival is proud to present Alfonso Cuarón with the Sonny Bono Visionary Award."

"Whether she's acting, producing or directing, Regina King is an amazing creative talent. In her latest film If Beale Street Could Talk, she gives an outstanding performance as Sharon Rivers, a mother supportive of her daughter whose fiancé is thrown in jail for a crime he didn't commit. For her performance in this challenging role, which has received much critical acclaim, it is our honor to present the Chairman's Award to Regina King."

"Spike Lee has been an outstanding warrior for equal rights while creating an iconic body of film and television work over his 30-year career. In BlacKkKlansman, Lee directs one of his best and most provocative films about an African-American detective and a white detective who are determined to infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado Springs. It is our great honor to present the Career Achievement Award to Spike Lee."

"Shoplifters is far more than a heist story. This haunting exploration of love and compassion for marginalized people poses the question of what really defines a family.

"Glenn Close is a rare and enduring talent who has consistently brought challenging characters to life on film, television and stage for over four decades. In her latest feature film, The Wife, she gives a tour-de-force performance as the perfect spouse, who relinquishes her own ambitions to propel her husband's career. It is our honor to present the 2019 Icon Award to Glenn Close."

"Stunning bride-to-be Carmen and ambitious street artist Lola find themselves in the throes of a secret love, risking safety, status and their own futures within their highly conservative Gypsy community."

"Living her life within the confines of a pricey Mexico City hotel, shy maid Eve longs for human connection, unexpectedly coming into her own through the promise of education and surprising new friendships in this subtle, assured debut."

"A mysterious wave of livestock deaths is the groundwork for this award-winning ensemble drama, which combines compassionate explorations of vastly different yet inextricably connected characters with a biting commentary on consumerism and the drive toward modernization in present day Shanghai."

"A first-generation Norwegian teen clashes with the traditional values and expectations of her Pakistani immigrant parents in this compelling coming-of-age drama."