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October 15-19, 2025

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January Newsletter

Embracing the Complexity of the Moment

WELCOME TO 2025!

As we enter the new year, we’re reminded that new beginnings often coexist with difficult realities. The recent fires in Los Angeles and surrounding areas have impacted many, including our film community. In these moments of devastation, we see both the fragility and strength of the human spirit.
Film has long been a space for exploring complex emotions—grief, hope, and resilience. It challenges us to process difficult times, and find paths to healing. This year, rather than shy away from the challenges we face, we embrace them. Through storytelling, we confront hardship and uncover the power of collective action, creativity, and human connection.
Rather than seeking simple optimism, film invites us to understand that growth and pain can coexist. It’s in this balance that we find the courage to move forward, nd the strength to create something better together.”
As we step into the new year, let us be inspired by the ‘Power of Film’ to bring us closer, to challenge us, and to remind us that despite life’s complexities, hope is always possible, especially when we face challenges together.

Festival Films Shine at Major Award Ceremonies!

Golden Globe Wins for Festival Films

At this year’s Golden Globe Awards, Emilia Perez and Conclave made a big splash:

  • Emilia Perez won 4 awards, including Best Musical or Comedy, Best International Film, Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saldana, right) and Best Original Song.
  • Conclave took home Best Screenplay.

Other Golden Globe-nominated festival films included September 5, Sing Sing, and Nightbitch. Adrien Brody, a past honoree at the Festival’s Night of the Stars Tribute, won Best Actor for The Brutalist.

Gotham Awards Highlights

The Gotham Awards, which kick off awards season, saw several winners from the San Diego International Film Festival’s Film Insider Series! These films were given exclusive early screenings to our audiences before their theatrical releases. Congratulations to:

Azazel Jacobs, Best Screenplay for His Three Daughtersz

Colman Domingo, Best Actor for Sing Sing

Clarence Maclin, Best Supporting Actor for Sing Sing

BAFTA Nominations

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) also celebrated Emilia Perez, Conclave and Sing, Sing with multiple nominations:

  • Conclave – 12 nominations
  • Emilia Perez  – 10 nominations
  • Sing Sing – 2 nominations
  • Marianne Jean Baptiste  – 1 nomination-Honored at the Night of the Stars Tribute  

A remarkable year for festival films and their growing recognition on the global stage! 


Posted Jan. 20, 2025. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on all the latest news!

Category: Festival News
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The San Diego Film Foundation is a 501c.3 non-profit arts and education organization that provides a year-round global narrative through film screenings, as well as a world-renowned annual Film Festival each October. 

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