Daniel Junge '92

Daniel Junge ’92 won the Academy Award in the category of “Documentary Short” for his film “Saving Face,” while “The Descendants,” based on the book of the same name by Kaui Hart Hemmings ’98, won for “Writing (Adapted Screenplay).” Both Junge and Hemmings attended the 84th Annual Academy Awards event in Hollywood, Calif.

“Saving Face” focuses on the work of London-based plastic surgeon Mohammad Jawad who travels back to his homeland to treat survivors disfigured by acid attacks, mostly women who were targeted by their own family members. Junge made “Saving Face” with Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

Director Alexander Payne and Kaui Hart Hemmings '98

“The Descendants” tells the story of Matt King, a wealthy Honolulu attorney and landowner struggling with his legacy, his two daughters, and the loss of his wife. The film was also nominated for “Best Picture”; actor George Clooney was nominated for “Actor in a Leading Role” and director Alexander Payne was nominated for “Directing.” Hemmings has a cameo role in the film, playing the part of Clooney’s secretary.