A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence
Thursday, October 16 | The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, La Jolla
Step into an unforgettable evening of glamour, celebration, and cinematic excellence at the Night of the Stars Tribute—the Festival’s most prestigious event.
Watch the red carpet arrivals of celebrities and special guests, then mix and mingle at the elegant Pre-Reception, where you’ll enjoy signature cocktails and gourmet savory bites before the awards ceremony begins.
The evening culminates in a spectacular Awards Ceremony, filled with moving tributes, heartfelt presentations, and unforgettable moments as we celebrate this year’s distinguished 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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Following the ceremony, the celebration continues with an exclusive After-Party—
featuring live DJ entertainment, refreshing cocktails, and late-night bites.
Join us for a night that captures the spirit of Hollywood right here in La Jolla. ✨
Date: Thurs., October 16th, 2025
Cost: Starting at $175
Time: 5:30pm Red Carpet and Pre-Reception / 7:00pm Presentations
Location: The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, La Jolla
This memorable evening also spotlights the 2nd Annual FOCUS on Impact Student Art Competition Finalists
and includes a silent auction benefiting the Festival’s Education Program.
2025 FOCUS on Impact Student Art Exhibit
The FOCUS on Impact Student Art Exhibit returns to the San Diego International Film Festival! This year’s showcase will debut 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.
Join us in celebrating the next generation of artists as they bring their vision to the Festival stage.
Student finalists from the Focus on Impact Art Competition (Grades 6-10) at the 2024 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.
CLICK HERE