A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence
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It was an unforgettable evening of glamour, celebration, and cinematic excellence at the Night of the Stars Tribute.
The 2025 Awards Ceremony was filled with moving tributes, heartfelt presentations, and unforgettable moments as we celebrated this year’s distinguished honorees:
2025 Honorees
Mark Hamill (Star Wars, The Mandalorian, The Life of Chuck)
John Magaro (September 5, The Mastermind)
Academy Award® Winner Marlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser God, CODA)
Joe Manganiello (Magic Mike, Nonnas)
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This memorable evening also spotlights the Annual FOCUS on Impact Student Art Competition Finalists
2025 FOCUS on Impact Student Art Exhibit
The FOCUS on Impact Student Art Exhibit returned to the San Diego International Film Festival! This year’s showcase debuted at the Night of the Stars Tribute on October 16, 2025 at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla, before being displayed throughout the Festival.
The exhibit features artwork from talented middle and high school students across San Diego who use their creativity to reflect on pressing social issues. Their pieces share unique perspectives, bold voices, and powerful stories that inspire conversation and connection.
(Photo) Student finalists from the Focus on Impact Art Competition (Grades 6-10) at the 2025 Night of the Stars Tribute
2024 Honorees
2024 Night of the Stars Tribute
The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center
2024 Honorees (Left to Right): Amanda Righetti, Marianne Jean-Baptist, Penelope Ann Miller, Lhakpa Sherpa and Alessandro Nivola
Here are the brilliant contributions of our 2024 honorees in these must-see films!
Amanda Righetti – Reagan, The Mentalist, Captain America: The First Avenger, Friday the 13th
Marianne Jean-Baptist: Without a Trace, Secrets & Lies, Hard Truth, Broadchurch
Penelope Ann Miller: Reagan, Carlito’s Way, The Artist, The Birth of a Nation
Lhakpa Sherpa – Summited Mt Everest 10 times, as shown in the Netflix documentary: Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa
Alessandro Nivola: The Brutalist, The Room Next Door, American Hustle, Wizard of Lies.
Discover how the Festival’s Focus on Impact Education Program empowers middle and high school student students to drive positive change in society through the transformative power of film and art.
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