HamptonsFilm has appointed two-time Academy Award-nominated producer Richard N. Gladstein as its new executive director. David Nugent, who has led programming at the organization since 2007, has been promoted to chief creative officer. Gladstein will report to HamptonsFilm co-chairs Alec Baldwin and Randy Mastro, while Nugent will report to Gladstein.
Gladstein, a veteran producer and educator, will oversee all strategic planning and year-round programming for HamptonsFilm and its annual Hamptons International Film Festival. His role will focus on enhancing community engagement, expanding industry partnerships and increasing the festival’s national and international visibility.
“We are delighted to welcome Richard as our new executive director,” said Baldwin and Mastro in a joint statement. “His vision, leadership and deep commitment to the power of film and entertainment will be instrumental in guiding our organization into its next chapter. We’re confident that under his direction, we will continue to grow our impact, elevate new voices and strengthen our connection with the community.”
Gladstein is the founder and president of FilmColony and has produced more than 30 films, including “The Cider House Rules” and “Finding Neverland,” both of which earned Best Picture nominations. Other notable titles include “The Hateful Eight,” “The Bourne Identity,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Reservoir Dogs” and “Jackie Brown.” His films have earned 27 Academy Award nominations and more than $1 billion globally.
He previously served as executive director of Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema, dean of the American Film Institute Conservatory and head of production at Miramax Films. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and a longtime board member of the Producers Guild of America.
“I am honored to join HamptonsFilm at such an exciting moment in its evolution,” said Gladstein. “The organization and the festival have long been a bright cultural center for the East End community, the industry and filmmakers across the globe. I look forward to helping build on that legacy.”
Nugent, who has served as artistic director since 2012, has been instrumental in expanding the festival’s reach. He led the development of the SummerDocs series and the annual Screenwriters Lab, and helped grow the festival to 11 days in length. Under his leadership, HamptonsFilm became the only festival in the world to screen the eventual Best Picture Oscar winner for 11 consecutive years.
“It’s been a privilege to shape our artistic vision at HamptonsFilm, and I’m excited to continue that work with an even broader creative mandate,” Nugent said. “I look forward to stepping into this new role at such a transformative time for the organization and working with Richard, whose leadership and passion for film is inspiring.”
This summer, HamptonsFilm’s 17th annual SummerDocs series returns in partnership with Guild Hall, featuring screenings of “My Mom Jayne,” directed by Mariska Hargitay, on July 17, and “Middletown,” directed by Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, on August 29. Additional programming includes free outdoor screenings and student film camps for ages 8 to 18.
For tickets and more information, visit hamptonsfilm.org.
Staff Writer on Jul 17, 2025