Night of the Stars Tribute
Recognizing extraordinary achievement in film and entertainment.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
Red Carpet & Pre-Reception: 5:30 PM
Awards Show: 7:00 PM
VIOLA DAVIS is a critically revered artist, activist, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author. Davis has earned EGOT status through her Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and multi-Tony Award wins.
She was honored in 2017 by Time 100 as one of the world’s most influential people and, in 2022, was honored with the Public Counsel’s William O Douglas Award for her commitment to social justice causes. Davis has partnered with multiple programs to eradicate childhood hunger in the United States and recently launched the Davis-Tennon Foundation. A graduate of The Julliard School, Davis received an Honorary Doctorate during its 109th Commencement Ceremony and she also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree from her alma mater, Rhode Island College, and an Honorary Doctorate from the American Film Institute. Davis received the Cecil B. DeMille honor at the 2025 Golden Globes, was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame last summer, and received the NAACP Chairman’s Award earlier this year.
Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino earned the Oscar, Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award for her acclaimed performance in Mighty Aphrodite. Her extensive career spans film and television, with memorable roles in Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, Summer of Sam, Mimic, Quiz Show, Beautiful Girls, Sound of Freedom, Shining Vale, Hollywood and American Crime Story: Impeachment.
Sorvino also earned Golden Globe nominations for Human Trafficking and Norma Jean & Marilyn, the latter of which also brought her an Emmy nomination.
One of today’s leading stand-up comedians, Iliza Shlesinger has released seven comedy specials, including 2025’s A Different Animal, following six Netflix specials.
An accomplished writer, actor, producer and two-time author, Shlesinger wrote and starred in Good on Paper and has appeared in The Righteous Gemstones, Spenser Confidential and Instant Family. She also wrote and stars in CHASING SUMMER, which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and will screen at the San Diego International Film Festival on Thursday and Sunday.
— More to be announced —
The Festival’s most glamorous evening shines as Hollywood’s brightest stars step onto the Red Carpet in La Jolla. This dazzling tribute celebrates the Gregory Peck Excellence in Film Award, previously honoring icons such as Marlee Matlin, Mark Hamill, Annette Bening, Adrien Brody, Laurence Fishburne, Andy Garcia, Kenny Loggins, Sir Patrick Stewart, Geena Davis and more.
Guests enjoy an elegant evening of red carpet arrivals, a pre-reception, our Student Art Exhibition opening, silent auction, star-studded awards ceremony, and an unforgettable after-party with music, dancing and celebration.
DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Time: Red Carpet & Pre-Reception: 5:30 PM | Awards Show: 7:00 PM
Location: The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, La Jolla, CA
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EXPERIENCE THE NIGHT
FOCUS ON IMPACT: STUDENT ART EXHIBITION
Experience powerful artwork from San Diego high school students who are using creativity to spark conversation around today’s most important social issues. The exhibition opens during the Tribute and remains on display throughout the Festival.
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