Tom Quinn to Receive Game Changer Award at Zurich Summit

Tom Quinn, the founder and CEO of U.S. indie distribution and production house Neon, is set to be honored with the prestigious Game Changer Award during the upcoming Zurich Summit on September 27. This accolade is part of the 21st Zurich Film Festival and recognizes individuals in the film industry who exemplify excellence and innovation.

Celebrating Excellence in Film

The Game Changer Award not only highlights Quinn’s significant impact on the film world but also underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating leaders who embrace change and forward-thinking strategies in cinema. Quinn’s vision has revolutionized indie film distribution, making Neon a prominent name in the industry.

Since its inception in 2017, Neon has rapidly made its mark, garnering 39 Academy Award nominations and winning 11, including two for Best Picture. With a box office gross exceeding $400 million, Neon’s success story is nothing short of remarkable.

A Legacy of Acclaimed Films

Quinn’s leadership has brought to life a slate of critically acclaimed projects. Notably, Neon’s lineup includes Sean Baker’s “Anora,” which not only swept five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, but also achieved the highest per-screen average of 2024. Another gem from Neon’s collection is Bong Joon Ho’s “Parasite,” a groundbreaking film that won four Academy Awards and made history as the first non-English-language film to bag the Best Picture award, grossing over $54 million at the U.S. box office.

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Neon showcased a remarkable array of films, including Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value,” Julia Ducournau’s “Alpha,” Raoul Peck’s “Orwell: 2+2=5,” and Michael Angelo Covino’s “Splitsville,” featuring Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona.

The Vision Behind Neon

Christian Jungen, the director of the Zurich Film Festival, reflected on Quinn’s integral role in the indie film landscape, stating, “Since its inception, Neon has been a trailblazer in championing bold, innovative, and visionary auteur cinema.” Under Quinn’s leadership, Neon has established itself as a dynamic force, bridging the gap between U.S. and international audiences, while delivering diverse and auteur-driven films to theaters worldwide.

Jungen praised Quinn’s “exceptional instincts, refined taste, and strategic business acumen,” emphasizing how Neon has maintained artistic integrity while achieving commercial success. This duality is particularly crucial in today’s challenging entertainment landscape, where quality films often struggle to find an audience.

Honoring a Humble Visionary

In response to receiving the Game Changer Award, Quinn shared his thoughts on the honor: “To be honored with the Game Changer Award alongside my peers is incredibly humbling. Zurich as a festival and a Summit is something I relish every year. It’s that rare opportunity we as an industry come together, earnestly assess how we’re doing, and strategize how to continue pushing cinema forward.”

Past recipients of this distinguished award include Roeg Sutherland, co-head of CAA’s media finance department, and Pamela Abdy, co-chair and CEO of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group. This lineage of honorees further cements Quinn’s exceptional place in the indie film sphere.

Conclusion

As the Zurich Summit approaches, the recognition of Tom Quinn serves as a testament to his significant contributions to the film industry. The Game Changer Award not only honors his achievements but also signifies a broader appreciation for the innovative spirit that drives indie cinema forward. With leaders like Quinn at the helm, the future of film looks promising, ensuring that creative visions reach audiences far and wide.