Mark Hamill, Marlee Matlin, John Magaro and Joe Manganiello Receive Honors
Set against the stunning backdrop of California’s coastline, the San Diego International Film Festival is more than just a film festival — it’s a cultural experience. From international cinema that sparks global dialogue to local stories that reflect the heart of our community, the festival brings together the best in cinematic storytelling, creativity, and human connection.
The San Diego International Film Festival announced today that Mark Hamill (“The Life of Chuck”) will receive the prestigious Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence, while Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin (“Children of a Lesser God,”) will be honored with the Visionary Impact Award. The Virtuoso Award will be presented to John Magaro (“September 5”), a versatile actor known for his work across film, television, and stage. Joe Manganiello, celebrated for his roles in “True Blood,” and Netflix’s “Nonnas”, will be recognized with the Spotlight Award at the Night of the Stars Tribute, taking place October 16th at The Conrad in La Jolla, CA.
Additionally, the Festival announced that its Closing Night film will be Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” which will screen at AMC La Jolla 14 UTC.
Now in its 24th year, the San Diego International Film Festival will take place October 15–19 in San Diego, CA. For the latest festival updates and information, visit www.sdfilmfest.com.
According to Tonya Mantooth, CEO/Artistic Director of the San Diego International Film Festival, “Between the amazing film lineup and the addition of our award honorees, our festival attendees are in for an incredible experience. Mark Hamill, Marlee Matlin, John Magaro and Joe Manganiello all have films currently in theatrical release, or are about to be released, and have been showcased in major festivals that lead into the awards circuit. The San Diego International Film Festival is committed to celebrating cinematic excellence and honoring extraordinary talent with strong bodies of work, making this an unforgettable opportunity for all involved.”
Mark Hamill is a BAFTA and Emmy-winning actor whose face and voice have graced screens for over 40 years. He was most recently seen as “The Major” in Lionsgate’s Steven King adaptation “The Long Walk.”
Hamill is best known for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the original “Star Wars” movies and reprised his role in both the sequels as well as the second season of “The Mandalorian” and season one of “The Book of Boba Fett.”
Marlee Matlin made history with her film debut in “Children of a Lesser God,” earning the Academy Award for Best Actress at age 21—the youngest ever and one of only a few to win for a debut role.
John Magaro has cultivated a rich and versatile career across film, television, and theatre. Most recently, he starred as jazz legend Keith Jarrett in “KÖLN 75,” which premiered at the 2025 Berlinale.
Joe Manganiello is an actor, director, producer, writer, and host with a BFA in acting from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama. He rose to fame as Alcide on HBO’s “True Blood.”
Closing Night Film is “Wake Up Dead Man, A Knives Out Mystery.”Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns for his most dangerous case yet in the third and darkest chapter of Rian Johnson’s murder mystery opus. When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the
pews.
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