SNL cast member, co-founder of Portland's EEM among Cinema Unbound Awards honorees

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — PAM CUT, the snappy moniker for the Portland Art Museum’s Center for an Untold Tomorrow, will recognize five creators at its fifth Cinema Unbound Awards.

The ceremony annually honors individuals who showcase excellence in their respective creative fields — whether that be food, film, fashion or other facets.

One of this year’s awardees is Sarah Sherman, who has been dubbed a “creative polymath.” The 32-year-old actress and comedian joined Saturday Night Live in 2021, and is also known for her appearance in the Adam-Sandler-produced Netflix film “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.” She previously opened for fellow comedian Eric Andre, but is currently headlining her own standup tour “Live + In the Flesh” — inspired by her love of body horror.

Filmmaker Marco Brambilla will be honored as an “astonishing artist.” With previous work in attractions like New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and with director credits on “Demolition Man” and “Dinotopia,” he is described as “one of the most prolific multi-media artists working today.” More of his work, such as “Heaven’s Gate” and a portion of his “Megaplex” series, will be featured in PAM later this year.

This year’s only joint awardees are “spectacular storytellers” Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, the husband and wife who author and illustrate the young adult book series “The Wildwood Chronicles.” Meloy is additionally known as a singer-songwriter in the Portland-based, Grammy-nominated band The Decemberists. Ellis has illustrated for the band, as well as her own children’s books including “Du Iz Tak?” and “In the Half Room.”

Meanwhile, PAM CUT’s 2025 “tastemaking trailblazer” is EEM chef and co-owner Earl Ninsom. His Thai barbecue spot was considered among the James Beard Awards’ best new restaurants of 2020, and his other restaurants – such as Langbaan, Phuket Cafe and Yaowarat — have been lauded as well.

Ninsom will spearhead the Cinema Unbound Awards’ “culinary takeover” this year, while the ceremony on Friday, May 30 will be hosted by Portland drag queen Violet Hex.

Previous awardees include “Portlandia” co-creator Fred Armisen, Kann chef Gregory Gourdet and “Creed” actress Tessa Thompson.