Actors Haley Joel Osment and Britt Lower are set to receive special “Craft in Focus” awards at the 2026 San Luis Obispo International Film Festival in separate ceremonies during the festival later this month.
Osment, who has been nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and two Actor Awards, will be honored at San Luis Obispo’s historic Masonic Lodge Saturday, April 25, prior to the World Premiere screening at the Palm Theatre of his new film, How to Date Again. The feature film was primarily shot in San Luis Obispo County.
Lower, an Emmy-winning actor, artist, and filmmaker, will receive her Craft in Focus Award on Sunday, April 26, at the Masonic Lodge, followed by a screening of her new film Sender, which debuted at SXSW this year.
Osment’s career has spanned genres. His film credits include Happy Gilmore 2, Blink Twice, and of course his Academy Award-nominated performance in M. Night Shyamalan’s supernatural thriller The Sixth Sense. He appears in the latest season of Poker Face alongside Natasha Lyonne and can be seen in season two of Tim Burton’s series Wednesday. His stage credits include American Buffalo, Midnight Coleslaw, and the upcoming Space Cowgirl.
“Haley first captured audiences with his standout childhood performance in The Sixth Sense,” according to festival executive director Skye McLennan. “We’re looking forward to reflecting on his notable career as well as spotlighting his evolution into comedy and his continued commitment to championing independent film.”
In addition to her starring role in the psychological horror film Sender alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, Lower stars in Netflix’s upcoming limited series I Will Find You.
“Britt brings a striking presence to the screen, fully committing to every role she takes on,” McLennan says. “We’re excited to explore her career and highlight her long-standing support of independent film and distinctive, boundary-pushing projects.”
Lower is known for starring as Helly in the Emmy-nominated Apple TV series Severance, for which she won a 2025 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and in the same year was nominated for a Golden Globe, Critics Choice Award, and two Actors Awards. Her film credits include Darkest Miriam, Psycho Therapy, Holly Slept Over, Sisters, and Mr. Roosevelt.
Lower made her directorial debut at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival with Circus Person, a short film she wrote, produced, and starred in, and which she is currently developing into a feature film.
New to the festival this year, the Craft in Focus Award celebrates standout talent from the festival program through in-depth conversations exploring the recipients’ past and current work, creative journeys, and perspectives on filmmaking.