Ojai Playhouse Brings Awards-Season Buzz to the Ojai Valley

Ojai, California (Dec 9, 2025) – As Hollywood’s awards season heats up, the Ojai Playhouse continues to host prominent For Your Consideration (FYC) screeningsof this year’s most acclaimed international and arthouse films, with more screenings planned for the remainder of the season. Curated by Playhouse owner David Berger, the screenings have brought an extraordinary selection of festival standouts and awards contenders to the Ojai Valley, offering audiences and industry insiders a rare opportunity to experience some of the year’s most celebrated films in an intimate, 200-seat setting.

“This year marks our second awards season since reopening,” says David Berger, owner of the Ojai Playhouse. “We’re thrilled with the success of our FYC screenings so far, and we look forward to continuing the season with more incredible films for both industry insiders and local audiences. Our goal is to connect filmmakers, distributors, and audiences in a meaningful way, bringing the buzz of Hollywood directly to the Ojai Valley.”

This year’s FYC season so far has included buzzworthy titles from leading studios and distributors such as Apple, Amazon, Warner Bros., Disney, Searchlight, Cineverse, Black Bear, A24, Sony Pictures Classics, Focus Features, NEON, Janus Films, and Netflix, including:

• A24: Marty Supreme, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You; Sorry Baby; The Smashing Machine; Highest 2 Lowest
• Amazon: After the Hunt; Hedda
• Apple: Come See Me in the Good Light; The Lost Bus: F1: The Movie
• Black Bear: TChristy
• Cineverse: A Useful Ghost; The Things You Kill
• Disney: Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
• Focus Features: Hamnet, Bugonia; Song Sung Blue
• Janus Films: Magellan; The Love That Remains
• NEON: Sentimental Value; It Was Just an Accident; No Other Choice, The Secret Agent; Sirat; Arco; Orwell 2+2 = 5
• Netflix: Train Dreams, Frankenstein, Jay Kelly
• Paramount: Roofman
• Searchlight: Rental Family; Is This Thing On?; The Testament of Ann Lee
• Sony Pictures Classics: Blue Moon; The President’s Cake; Nuremberg
• Warner Brothers: One Battle After Another; Sinners; Weapons

The Playhouse has also hosted special Q&As and industry events alongside select screenings, providing a platform for filmmakers, distributors, and critics to engage directly with films in a focused environment. Past events included discussions with directors, cast members, and technical teams, further cementing Ojai Playhouse’s reputation as a premier venue during awards season. 

Nestled in the scenic Topatopa Mountains, the Ojai Playhouse originally opened in 1914 and triumphantly reopened in November 2024 after a decade-long closure. Beautifully restored with more than $10 million in renovations, the theater combines historic elegance with modern amenities, including a Meyer Sound cinema system, Nexo live PA, Yamaha Immersive Audio, Dolby Atmos, and 35mm/4K projection. The single-screen, 200-seat theater features an artful blend of classic architecture, contemporary design, and immersive lighting inspired by James Turrell, creating a unique cinematic experience. In its first year back, the Playhouse screened over 500 films, including both FYC and free community events, and championed local, national, and international filmmakers.

By showcasing this year’s most prestigious films and continuing its FYC season, the Ojai Playhouse has established itself as a hub for awards-season programming, drawing attention from studios, critics, and industry insiders. Additional films and events will be announced as the season progresses, keeping the Ojai Valley at the forefront of cinematic conversation.

For more information on upcoming FYC screenings and all events, visitwww.ojaiplayhouse.com.