'I Followed Anyone Who Would Allow Me to Observe': Chase Infiniti Shows Gratitude to Crew Members Who Educated Her on Filmmaking at IndieWire Honors

2025 has been a transformative year for Chase Infiniti. The 25-year-old actress began the year with just one television credit, but she has since risen to international recognition for her standout role in one of the years most acclaimed films, One Battle After Another. Her performance has placed her squarely in the awards conversation and marked her as one of Hollywoods emerging stars.

At the 2025 IndieWire Honors, Infiniti accepted the Breakthrough Award, but she made a point to highlight the contributions of the many individuals who shaped her journey. Winning the Breakthrough Award for One Battle After Another is surreal, she said. I owe so much to the people in this room who guided and inspired me.

Infiniti reflected on her earliest experiences on set during the Apple TV+ series Presumed Innocent. She described how crew members welcomed her curiosity and allowed her to observe their work. Working with Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Negga was unforgettable. Director Anne Sewitsky noticed my eagerness to understand the craft and encouraged me to come onto the set whenever I wanted. I shadowed her, the costume team, the grips, and the DPanyone willing to let me watch. That generosity gave me a foundation that prepared me for my next opportunity, which turned out to be a Paul Thomas Anderson film.

Her debut in One Battle After Another proved life-changing. Infiniti shared, Training for six months, screen testing with Leonardo DiCaprio and Regina Hall, acting alongside Sean Penn, learning stunts, and meeting incredible actors like Benicio del Toro and Teyana Taylorit was overwhelming. This experience taught me lessons about courage, craft, and who I am becoming.

The ceremony also celebrated Adam Sandler, who received the Vanguard Award. Sandler reflected on his beginnings in Hollywood, emphasizing his dedication to doing his best work. He recounted starting his first film, Going Overboard, just days after arriving in Los Angeles, highlighting the same drive for excellence that has characterized his career. Sandler noted that every project, including his recent role in Jay Kelly, is approached with commitment to the craft and respect for collaborators.

The event, held on December 4 in Los Angeles, featured an intimate reception and awards presentation, celebrating the achievements of both emerging and established talent in the film industry.

Author: Ethan Caldwell