Atlanta is abuzz with celebrities, indie filmmakers and film-enjoyers this week, as the Atlanta Film Festival begins its second week. This weekend, Mckenna Grace, one of the best-known actors of her generation, received a special Atlanta Film Festival Award called The Phoenix Award, at the screening of her film, Gifted. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Who is Mckenna Grace?
If you see her face, you’ll know exactly who Grace is.
Mckenna Grace made Emmy history as the youngest-ever nominee in the Guest Actress category for her standout role in The Handmaid’s Tale.
And while you might’ve seen her face most recently in the trailer for Lionsgate’s highly anticipated series prequel Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, she’s also done a ton of other projects around town.
Last year, she starred in the Atlanta-based feature production Regretting You, in which she also served as an executive producer. She was most recently seen in Scream 7 directed by franchise creator Kevin Williamson.
She is currently in production in Georgia on the Netflix live action series Scooby Doo.
What is the Phoenix Award?
The Phoenix Award recognizes an individual who is rising to new heights, embracing a fresh chapter and/or a renewed momentum in their career.
Of course, the award is inspired by the spirit, resilience, and forward-looking vision of the city. The honor celebrates transformation and new beginnings in the spirit of Atlanta itself, “the Phoenix City”.
Grace was extremely grateful to receive the Phoenix Award, calling it a meaningful and humbling honor.
What’s next for Mckenna Grace?
In the audience Q&A, Grace also highlighted her connection to Atlanta, calling it one of her favorite cities.
And that’s wonderful to hear, as she is currently filming a live-action Scooby-Doo series for Netflix here in Georgia. She stars as Daphne Blake, and you don’t want to miss it! Grace described preparing for the role by exploring the franchise’s history and expressed admiration for Daphne’s balance of strength and femininity.
We can’t wait to see Grace shine in Sunrise on the Reaping, and then continue watching her in the new live action Scooby-Doo!
We’re cheering for our honorary ATL resident, Mckenna Grace!
