Tracey Moore Receives Queen City Film Festival Legacy Award in Plainfield

Casting director, acting coach and producer Tracey Moore received the 2026 Queen City Film Festival Legacy Award on Friday night at the Plainfield Public Library. Union County Life reports that Moore was honored at the festival’s Opening Night Gala, where she reflected on more than three decades in the entertainment industry and urged others to keep going.

Moore’s credits include “New Jersey Drive,” “New York Undercover” and Spike Lee’s “Girl 6.” She has worked with performers including Dave Chappelle, Kerry Washington, Michael K. Williams and Jeffrey Wright. Her career spans casting, coaching, producing and mentoring performers across film, television and theater.

In a conversation with festival founder and host Lamar Mackson, held in front of hundreds of attendees, Moore talked about her upbringing and her entry into the business. She arrived on the East Coast from San Francisco on Aug. 15, 1983, with $200, a one way ticket and two people she knew.

When she decided to pursue casting, Moore bought an industry directory and called four of New York’s top casting directors for advice. All four hung up on her. She called back, this time saying she was an NYU student writing about casting directors. “I got rates, protocol, and I started Tracey Moore Casting the next day,” she said.

One of those casting directors was working on the 1995 film “New Jersey Drive,” which is set in Newark. When he was removed from the project, Moore was hired to replace him.

Moore said her own struggle to break in has shaped her commitment to helping others. “Help people,” she said. “Because that’s what I feel like we’re supposed to do, is help each other.” She also described her work as an acting coach, helping performers prepare for roles across the industry.

Persistence ran through her remarks. “It’s easy to take the N, put it behind the O and just keep pushing on and on,” she said. “Do not accept ‘no.’”

The Plainfield City Council recognized Moore’s accomplishments with a resolution. Fellow honorees Ernest Dickerson and Will McCormack were also recognized at the festival.

Find more Plainfield events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.

FAQ

What award did Tracey Moore receive?
She received the 2026 Queen City Film Festival Legacy Award at the festival’s Opening Night Gala in Plainfield.

Where was the Queen City Film Festival Legacy Award presented?
At the Plainfield Public Library during the Friday night Opening Night Gala.

What films has Tracey Moore worked on?
According to the article, her credits include “New Jersey Drive,” “New York Undercover,” and Spike Lee’s “Girl 6.”

When is the Queen City Film Festival?
The 2026 festival runs Oct. 15 to 18, according to the festival’s FilmFreeway listing.