[1] Festival events took place mainly around AMC NEWCITY 14, though other event venues throughout the city included the Music Box Theatre, the Gene Siskel Film Center, the Chicago History Museum, and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago.

[2] American director Malcolm Washington received the Breakthrough Award for his debut The Piano Lesson.

Additionally, actor John David Washington, who stars in the film, received the Spotlight Award.

Robert Zemeckis received the Founder's Legacy Award, which was presented during the Closing Night celebration.

[3] Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda received the Career Achievement Award, with a retrospective program presented on October 18, dedicated to honor his filmography.