Accomplishments - February, 2026
Two College of Arts and Media alumni are 2026 Academy Award nominees. Hilla Medalia, a two-degree alumna, is nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary Short category for “Children No More: Were and Are Gone.” Medalia earned a master’s degree in professional media practice and a bachelor’s degree in radio and television. She earned university outstanding thesis honors for “Daughters of Abraham.” Jack Piatt, founder of Highway West Entertainment, is nominated for the Best Live-Action Short nominee, ”The Singers,” which was recently picked up to air on Netflix. Piatt earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and took graduate classes in the college’s professional media and media management studies program. The 98th Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences awards air on March 15.
Darryl Kent Clark, associate professor of musical theater dance, will premiere “Redeux,” a new dance duet as part of the sixth annual “FIRST DRAFT: New Work by Chicago-Area Dancemakers” Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Ann Barzel Theater at Visceral Dance Center in Chicago. The program is presented by Winifred Haun & Dancers. Haun is an SIU Carbondale alumna.
