Lucy Walker

Out of 15,000 submissions received, Vimeo, the web-based video platform favored by filmmakers from up-and-comers to well-knowns, handed out 13 online films awards at the company’s 2012 award ceremony last Thursday at NYU’s Skirball Center in Greenwich Village. While the vote was public, the selection process included an esteemed and varied panel of judges, which included actor James Franco, documentarian Lucy Walker, professional surfer Alana Blanchard and local filmmaker Casey Neistat. (Text by Adel Manoukian and photos by Ryan McCune/PatrickMcMullan.com)

Lauran Bush Lauren and David Lauren

The categories ranged from the standards like narrative and experimental, but also included some off-the-beaten path choices like action sports, advertising and remix video. Each winner received a $5,000 grant, but the grand prize winner, the film directing collective Everynone, walked away with $25,000 for their film Symmetry, which was made in partnership with WNYC’s Radiolab.

Attendees were treated to a performance by Reggie Watts, the Brooklyn-based comedian and musician, and U.K. beatboxer Beardeyman, who not only played off each other musically but incorporated a technologically innovative set into their performance. To read the full list of winners and learn more about Vimeo, check out vimeo.com/awards.

Reggie Watts and Beardyman in Performance

Reggie Watts

Flash Rosenberg and Kasumi