David Leitch and Kelly McCormick receive RIFF honorary award

Dynamic visual storytelling, humor, and meticulously crafted stunts

The award was presented at a reception hosted by Reykjavík City and RIFF at the Reykjavík Art Museum — Hafnarhús Museum. Rúnar Freyr Gíslason, chair of the Reykjavík Cultural Council, presented the award.

Leitch and McCormick, among this year's RIFF guests of honor, have left a powerful mark on contemporary action cinema by blending dynamic visual storytelling, humor, and meticulously crafted stunt sequences.

Leitch built an extensive career as a stuntman and stunt coordinator before moving into directing. His best-known films include "Atomic Blonde," "Deadpool 2," "Bullet Train" and "The Fall Guy." His work draws on a precise understanding of movement, rhythm, and physical performance to craft action sequences that serve both character development and narrative momentum.

As a producer, McCormick has been behind films such as "Nobody," "Violent Night," "Bullet Train" and "The Fall Guy." Together, the married couple has created a space for action filmmaking where original ideas and ambitious execution go hand in hand.

The heart of the action — a masterclass

Timed to their visit, RIFF is screening "Atomic Blonde" and "Bullet Train." At a masterclass last Saturday, David Leitch, Kelly McCormick, and Elísabet Ronaldsdóttir discussed how action sequences in contemporary cinema are constructed. The masterclass brought together the perspectives of the director, producer, and editor, tracing the process from initial concept to final cut. With a screening of selected clips — including an exclusive preview of a sequence from their latest film — "How to Rob a Bank"

RIFF audiences had a rare chance to meet the people behind some of the most celebrated action films of recent years and gain insight into their multifaceted creative process.

The Reykjavík International Film Festival runs through Oct. 4. The schedule and tickets are available at riff.is.