Honoring Grainger Hines

When the curtain rises for the 20th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival this February, the celebration will extend far beyond the screen. The Beaufort Film Society will present the esteemed Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award to acclaimed actor, writer, and director Grainger Hines, honoring a career that has spanned more than six decades across film, television, theater, and music.

“We are extremely proud of our fellow South Carolinian and honored to present him with our highest honor,” says Ron Tucker, president of the Beaufort Film Society. The award will be presented during BIFF, taking place February 17–22, 2026, in historic Beaufort.

A native of Greenwood, South Carolina, Hines’ artistic journey began early. Growing up in the Palmetto State, he developed a love for rhythm and storytelling that first found expression in music. In the late 1960s, he toured with the legendary South Carolina beach-music band, The Swingin’ Medallions, performing their iconic hit “Double Shot (of My Baby’s Love).” Those formative years on the road sharpened the stage presence that would later define his acting career.

By the early 1970s, Hines set his sights on New York City, where he studied under Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Horton Foote at HB Studio. His off-Broadway debut in Valentine’s Day marked the beginning of an extraordinary professional path that would carry him from intimate stages to major Hollywood productions.

Over the years, Hines has amassed more than 100 film and television credits, earning a reputation as a nuanced character actor of remarkable range. His work includes memorable performances in projects such as Lincoln, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Knick, Dr. Death, The Good Lord Bird, and more recently, A Man in Full, and Mrs. Davis. His film Long Shadows, which he co-wrote and produced while also starring, reflects his continued commitment to meaningful storytelling.

Beyond the screen, Hines has remained deeply connected to the arts community, mentoring emerging performers and supporting regional theaters throughout the South. An avid horseman and member of the United States Polo Association, he embodies a life richly lived both on and off stage.

Named in honor of beloved Lowcountry author Pat Conroy, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes artists whose careers reflect excellence, integrity, and lasting cultural impact. In honoring Grainger Hines, BIFF celebrates not only an extraordinary body of work, but also a South Carolina native whose creative legacy continues to inspire.

For festival details and tickets, visit beaufortfilmfestival.com.