Ernest Dickerson Gets Vanguard Award at Plainfield Gala

Union County Life is reporting that Ernest Dickerson received the 2026 Queen City Film Festival Vanguard Award on Friday night, Oct. 16. The honor was presented at the festival’s opening night gala in Plainfield. The gala was held at the Plainfield Public Library, and hundreds attended.

Dickerson flew in from Los Angeles for the event. He grew up in Newark’s Seth Boyden Terrace, near where the Lionsgate Newark film and television studio complex is now being built. The project is part of the state’s growing film and television industry.

As a kid, Dickerson went to see James Bond and kung fu movies with his friends. He also walked to the Mayfair Theater for Saturday afternoon movies. “I love films. I loved them as a craft. I knew that there was somebody that was making these things.”

He studied architecture at Howard University and also took classes in filmmaking and photography. “I just learned so much about the possibilities of film. That’s when I really started thinking more seriously about it.”

As a cinematographer, Dickerson worked on “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X,” and “Jungle Fever,” and collaborated with director Spike Lee. He made his feature directorial debut with “Juice” in 1992, starring Omar Epps and Tupac Shakur. In 1995, he directed “Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight.” This year, he worked on “V/H/S Mixtape” and shot his segment on iPhones.

Queen City Film Festival founder and host Lamar Mackson picked Dickerson up the day before the gala and he stayed in the Plainfield area. At the property where he stayed, Dickerson filmed the sunset at golden hour with his iPhone. “He’s hooked,” Mackson said.

Dickerson also received resolutions recognizing his accomplishments from the Plainfield City Council and from state lawmakers.

He had advice for people who want to make films. “If you have an iPhone, if you got a good story, do that. There’s so many digital possibilities that are available now for everybody.” He added, “It’s easier to make a film now than it ever was, but you got to have a great story. You got to have something that you want to tell.”

He closed with a message to young filmmakers. “All you young filmmakers out there, after you made it, after you’ve gone through the turmoil, after you’ve gone through the heartbreak, after you’ve gone through the gray hairs,” he said. He went on, “because it is tough. It ain’t easy.” “But after that’s over, you want to do another one. Get hooked.”

Mackson echoed the call. “Grab whatever tools you have and get to work.”

For more Plainfield arts, events, and local news, visit Union County Life at unioncountylife.com.

FAQ

Who received the 2026 Queen City Film Festival Vanguard Award?
Ernest Dickerson received the award at the festival’s opening night gala in Plainfield. He grew up in Newark’s Seth Boyden Terrace.

Where was the Queen City Film Festival opening night gala held?
The gala was held at the Plainfield Public Library, and hundreds attended.

What films has Ernest Dickerson worked on?
As a cinematographer, his credits include “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X,” and “Jungle Fever.” He made his feature directorial debut with “Juice” in 1992 and worked on “V/H/S Mixtape” this year.

What advice did Dickerson give to aspiring filmmakers?
He said a good story matters most, and that digital tools such as an iPhone make filmmaking possible for more people.