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SD Film Fest Night of the Stars

10/17/2025

On the evening of October 16th, the San Diego International Film Festival held their Night of the Stars celebration at The Conrad in La Jolla. Colleagues, admirers, filmmakers, and press mingled in the lobby before being ushered to the auditorium for the formal tributes. While the evening’s schedule began with pre-reception mingling, the core program brought on-stage presentations, tributes, speeches, and video montages celebrating each honoree’s work.

Night of the Stars is the festival’s signature gala, structured around honorary awards that celebrate lifetime achievement, innovation, and standout contributions to cinema. 

In 2025, the slate of honorees was especially distinguished:  Award Recipient Notes

Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence: Mark Hamill - The festival’s highest honor, named for La Jolla’s own Gregory Peck. 

Visionary Impact Award: Marlee Matlin
Recognizes significant influence or advocacy in cinema. 

Virtuoso Award: John Magaro
Highlights exceptional skill or performance in film. 

Spotlight Award: Joe Manganiello
Honors an artist making powerful waves

The Gregory Peck Award is arguably the most high-profile of the night. It has long been the heart of Night of the Stars, honoring actors, directors, or filmmakers for distinguished careers in cinema. 

Since 2014, this award has been presented under the auspices of the Peck family, tying San Diego’s festival to the legacy of one of Hollywood’s greats. Mark Hamill’s selection for 2025 is especially poignant. With decades of work spanning film, voice acting, and genre storytelling, his career offers a spirited reflection on the dimensions of excellence in modern screen art. 

Photography by Robert O'Neill