Ah, Sundance is over and you know what that means. LAX is packed with weary ski bunnies and movie buffs coming back from the snow to the sunshine? Well, yes. But it also means that last night the winners of the 2001 Sundance Film Festival were honored. Although many of the winners are still without distribution, for one shining moment their films got the praise they deserve.

This year’s Grand Jury included past winner Darren Aronofsky, writer/director of Pi and more recently Requiem for a Dream, actress Joan Chen who also directed Autumn in NY and The Caveman’s Valentine’s Kasi Lemmons.

The Dramatic Grand Jury Prize

Writer/director Henry Bean takes us on a journey of hate and self-discovery in The Believer. The film, starring Ryan Gosling (from TV’s Young Hercules), Billy Zane and Theresa Russell, portrays a religion student who has a hidden life as a leader in a violent hate organization.

The Documentary Grand Jury Prize

Southern Comfort follows the life of Robert Eads, a female-to-male transsexual suffering from ovarian cancer in the deep South. Robert must struggle with discrimination from doctors unwilling to treat his disease to the wonders of family--both born into and self-made.

The Dramatic Audience Award

Already picked up by Fine Line, Hedwig and the Angry Inch chronicles the struggles of a transsexual singer’s attempt at fame. Originally an off-Broadway play, Hedwig has been called the next Rocky Horror Picture Show with its crazy antics and wonderfully unusual soundtrack.

For more information on the winners and a complete list of all the awards, please visit the Sundance Film Festival website.