"This is one of the few festivals that actually like filmmakers, unlike most that just screen your film and kick you out right after. I highly recommend this festival...had a lot of fun last year, great venue and organizers with a great host."
- Vlad Nikitin, Director, 'Grand Chinatown Robbery'
Donald E. Lacy, Jr. Social Justice Award
Monica Montero, Steve Sturla, Don Lacy and Edward James Olmos
BIO OF DONALD E. LACY, JR.
Donald E. Lacy, Jr. is a writer, director, actor, comedian, radio talk show host, and activist. In 2018, Steve Sturla and The Studio City Film Festival created the Donald E. Lacy, Jr. Social Justice Award, to be awarded to filmmakers whose films address social issues.
On May 19th, 2019, CNN aired “The Redemption Project” with Van Jones, documenting Donald’s anti-violence activism in Oakland, California, and his journey to forgive the man convicted of his daughter’s murder.
In 2017, Donald was awarded the Legacy award from Theater Bay Area for his artistic and activist achievements. As a comedian, he was inducted into the Bay Area Blues Society Hall of Fame in 2013. He has also appeared on BET’S Comic View and HBO’S Def Jam.
For 29 years he has been the Executive Director of the LoveLife Foundation. On April 5, 2016, the Oakland City Council adopted LoveLife as the official motto of the city of Oakland.
Donald’s T.V./Film Acting credits include: Billionaire Pays Poor Boy to Date Her Dharman Studios (2026) The Artisan (2025) The Masquerade (2025) Matchpoint (2024) Butterfly Boxing (2023) About Cherry with James Franco, The Other Barrio. NBC show Trauma, Jack, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, & Blood In, Blood Out, directed by Taylor Hackford.
As a filmmaker he has directed three short films. His Latest film, Free Speech Costs Plenty, was written in response to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and stand-up comedy and the first Amendment. Free Speech Costs Plenty
Donald E. Lacy, Jr.
