The SKYY Vodka Short FilmAwards took place in Los Angeles last Thursday night as part of the IFP/WestLos Angeles Film Festival (LAFF) in a ceremony which premiered JamesWoods' directorial debut Falling In Love With Pongo Panga, a short which was commissioned by SKKY.

Woods attended the eventalong with host Kevin Pollak, Joe Pantoliano and Laura Harring. 1,400submissions were made to the Short Film Awards and all 39 finalists werescreened as part of LAFF. The winners were selected by a judge consisting offilm-maker Tony Bui (Three Seasons),journalist Lael Lowenstein and director Kayo Hata (The Picture Bride).

Winners were: for bestfiction Cowhide (France) directedby Gerald Hustache-Mathieu; for best animation Shadow Play (US) directed by DanBlank; and for best 'cocktail moment' Salad Days (Spain) directed by Gustavo Salmeron. MelissaRegan's No Dumb Questions(US) won the audience award for best short.