Cannes and Oscar Shortlist Film “TEA” Makes Waves at Newport Beach Film Festival

LAPost/Newport Beach, Ca (October 15, 2024)  – Directed by Blake Rice, the offbeat comedy “TEA” is now officially qualified for consideration at the 2025 Academy Awards and has been making its mark at prestigious international festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival.

The short film TEA, directed by the award-winning filmmaker Blake Rice, has been selected for the Newport Beach Film Festival and has qualified to be considered for the 97th Academy Awards. This quirky and heartfelt comedy was also part of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it stood out as the only U.S. film in competition, further boosting its critical acclaim.

Starring Michael Gandolfini, TEA tells the story of Nicholaus Steep, a lonely young man who works at Circuit-Shack. In this offbeat comedy about isolation and the desire for human connection, Steep (Gandolfini) rehearses how to ask out the girl of his dreams (played by Olivia Nikkanen). However, things take a dramatic turn when a hornet stings him in the throat just as he’s about to summon the courage to speak to her. Through this comedic but poignant premise, TEA explores the universal experience of loneliness and the sometimes painful but brave attempts we make to connect with others.

Since premiering at Cannes, TEA has qualified for Best Short Film at numerous prestigious festivals, including the Nashville Film Festival, Tirana International Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, Palm Springs ShortFest, Tehran International Short Film Festival, and HollyShorts. Now, with the Newport Beach Film Festival in its rearview mirror, TEA is solidifying its place in the race for the 2025 Oscars®.

Blake Rice, a New Jersey native, has been gaining attention in the film world for his unique storytelling style. He launched his directing and screenwriting career in 2018 with To Whom It May Concern, which was acquired by DirecTV. His latest projects include DISC, starring Jim Cummings, and his debut feature The Empty Lot. Rice’s previous work, People Like You, earned him the “Best Director” award at the 2019 New York City International Film Festival, while Steps, another of his acclaimed films, received the “Special Grand Jury Award” at the 2022 DeadCenter Film Festival.

Gabriella Piazza, an award-winning producer and actor, recently took home the “Best Producer” award for TEA at the HollyShorts Film Festival, further showcasing the film’s widespread recognition in the industry.

The film’s lead actor, Michael Gandolfini, is known for his roles in Cherry (2021) alongside Tom Holland and Landscape with Invisible Hand (2023). He rose to prominence playing Tony Soprano in The Many Saints of Newark (2021), a role made iconic by his late father, James Gandolfini.

Olivia Nikkanen, who plays the object of Nicholaus Steep’s affection in TEA, is best known for her role as a series regular on Netflix’s hit show The Society (2019) and her recurring appearances on Supergirl (2015). She has also guest-starred in critically acclaimed shows like The Americans (2013) and Boardwalk Empire (2010).

With its engaging storyline and stellar performances, TEA is rapidly gaining momentum, earning critical recognition and audience admiration alike. As it continues to make its way through the festival circuit, the film is one to watch for in the lead-up to the 2025 Academy Awards.