Thelma Schoonmaker Honored at IBC2025 for Excellence in Filmmaking Editing

Thelma Schoonmaker to Receive IBC’s International Honor for Excellence

Amsterdam, Netherlands – August 19, 2025 – Legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker, a three-time Academy Award winner and long-time collaborator with Martin Scorsese, will receive the IBC’s International Honor for Excellence.The award recognizes her meaningful contribution to the art of cinema and her enduring impact on the media industry.Schoonmaker’s career spans over five decades, establishing her as one of the most influential and respected editors in film history. Her masterful work is showcased in iconic films like “Goodfellas,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Irishman,” and her most recent project, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” She holds the record for the most oscar nominations for a film editor – nine in total – and has won three Academy awards for her editing on “Raging Bull,” “The Aviator,” and “The Departed.”

The IBC will present the award in person on September 14th at the RAI Amsterdam, during the main stage event of the IBC Conference. Prior to the ceremony, Schoonmaker will participate in a fireside chat, offering insights into her remarkable life and career in film.

“Thelma Schoonmaker’s unique contribution and legacy is felt across the entire media world,” stated michael Crimp,IBC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Her dedication to storytelling, technical brilliance and lifelong commitment to collaboration exemplify the very best of our industry. People are at the heart of IBC, and we’re proud to honour those who have not only shaped the media we all know and love – but who continue to inspire new generations to come.”

In a recent interview with Variety, Schoonmaker credited her successful partnership with scorsese to her ability to understand his creative process. “listening to how his mind works is so interesting,” she shared. “He taught me everything I know.”

In addition to honoring Schoonmaker, IBC will also present a Special Award to globo, Latin America’s largest media company, recognizing it’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to global media advancement.

How has Thelma Schoonmaker’s embrace of non-linear editing systems impacted the film industry’s workflow?

A Lifetime of Cutting-Edge Contributions to Cinema

The International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2025 is set to bestow its highest honor upon legendary film editor Thelma Schoonmaker, recognizing her unparalleled contributions to the art of filmmaking and specifically, the craft of film editing. This prestigious award acknowledges a career spanning decades, marked by a collaborative partnership with Martin Scorsese and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. schoonmaker’s influence extends far beyond the editing suite, impacting visual storytelling, film technique, and inspiring generations of film editors.

The Scorsese-Schoonmaker Partnership: A Masterclass in Collaboration

The dynamic between martin scorsese and Thelma Schoonmaker is arguably one of the most iconic and fruitful collaborations in film history. Beginning with Woodstock in 1970, Schoonmaker has edited nearly all of Scorsese’s feature films, including masterpieces like Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, the Departed, and The Irishman.

Rhythmic Editing: Schoonmaker is renowned for her innovative use of rhythm and pacing in editing, frequently enough mirroring the energy and intensity of Scorsese’s direction.

Character Development Through Editing: Her editing choices aren’t merely about assembling shots; they actively shape character arcs and emotional resonance.

Sound and Image Synchronization: A hallmark of their work is the seamless integration of sound and image, creating a visceral and immersive cinematic experience.

Long Takes & Montage: Schoonmaker expertly handles both extended, complex takes and dynamic montage sequences, demonstrating a versatile skillset.

This long-term collaboration has allowed for a unique shorthand and understanding, resulting in a consistently high level of artistic achievement. The pair’s work is frequently studied in film schools and considered essential viewing for aspiring movie editors.

Key Films and Editing Innovations

Schoonmaker’s editing work isn’t defined solely by her partnership with Scorsese.She’s also lent her talents to other notable projects, but her impact is most profoundly felt through their joint efforts. Here’s a look at some key films and the editing techniques employed:

Raging Bull (1980): Considered a landmark achievement in film editing, Raging Bull utilizes rapid cuts, slow motion, and jarring transitions to convey the brutal physicality and psychological turmoil of Jake LaMotta.This film won Schoonmaker her first Academy Award for Best Film Editing.

Goodfellas (1990): the famous Copacabana tracking shot, seamlessly edited, is a prime example of Schoonmaker’s ability to create a sense of fluidity and immersion. The film’s fast-paced editing style reflects the energy and chaos of the gangster lifestyle.

Casino (1995): Similar to Goodfellas, Casino employs a dynamic editing style, utilizing montage sequences and rapid cuts to depict the rise and fall of Sam “Ace” Rothstein.

The Departed (2006): Schoonmaker’s editing in The Departed builds suspense and tension, mirroring the film’s complex narrative structure and double-crosses. This earned her a second Academy Award.

The Irishman (2019): A more intentional and measured pace characterizes the editing in The Irishman, reflecting the film’s themes of aging, regret, and mortality. The de-aging technology presented unique editing challenges, which Schoonmaker navigated expertly.

The Impact on Modern Film Editing Techniques

Thelma Schoonmaker’s influence on post-production and video editing is undeniable. Her work has helped to redefine the role of the film editor, elevating it from a technical craft to a vital artistic force.

Non-linear Editing Systems: While schoonmaker initially worked with film, her embrace of non-linear editing systems (like Avid Media Composer) has influenced the industry’s transition to digital workflows.

Rhythmic Editing as a Storytelling Tool: She demonstrated how editing rhythm can be used to manipulate audience emotions and enhance narrative impact.

The Importance of Collaboration: Her triumphant partnership with Scorsese highlights the importance of strong collaboration between director and editor.

* Pushing Boundaries: Schoonmaker consistently challenges conventional editing techniques, inspiring others to experiment and innovate.

IBC2025: Celebrating a Legacy

The honor bestowed upon Thelma Schoonmaker at IBC2025 is not just a recognition of her past achievements, but also a festivity of the future of cinematic editing. Her work continues to inspire and influence filmmakers around the world, and her legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come. The award