Writer-director Michael Sergio accepted the Regal Cinemas/Nashville Independent Film Festival Dreammaker Award for best 35mm feature-length film at a ceremony at Planet Hollywood.

The award includes a commercial run of at least one week at a Regal cinema in Los Angeles County, which will make Under Hellgate Bridge eligible for consideration for the Academy Awards.

"Trophies are great, but putting viewers' butts in the seats is wonderful," a jubilant Sergio said in an interview moments after winning. "Awesome," said Jordan Bayne, a Belmont University alumna who stars in Under Hellgate Bridge. "The Oscars have had to pay attention to independent films lately such as Boys Don't Cry, so maybe they'll give us a look."