GREGORY PECK AWARD
Penelope Ann Miller is a distinguished and award-winning artist in film, television, and theater. She has worked with some of the most notable actors and directors in Hollywood. This list includes Al Pacino and Sean Penn in director Brian de Palma’s “Carlito’s Way”, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination; Marlon Brando and Matthew Broderick in “The Freshman”; Robert De Niro and Robin Williams in Penny Marshall’s “Awakenings”; Robert Downey Jr. in Sir Richard Attenborough’s “Chaplin”; Danny DeVito and Gregory Peck in Norman Jewison’s “Other People’s Money”; Matthew Broderick and Christopher Walken in Mike Nichols “Biloxi Blues”; and Arnold Schwarzenegger in Ivan Reitman’s “Kindergarten Cop.”

Penelope is currently starring as ‘Nancy Reagan’ in the feature film and Box Office hit: “Reagan” opposite Dennis Quaid as ‘Ronald Reagan’. The film has received an ‘A’ Cinema Score and a 98% audience approval rating.

CINEMA VANGUARD AWARD
Alessandro Nivola has established himself as one of the most versatile actors of his generation. He currently stars as “The Rhino” in Kraven the Hunter (Sony, 2024) and in The Brutalist, which premiered at Venice International Film Festival. Nivola is also in Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door and Todd Haynes’ Fever. On television, he recently starred in The Big Cigar (Apple TV). His stage work includes Tony and Drama Desk nominations. Nivola co-founded King Bee Productions, producing To Dust, a Tribeca winner, and HBO’s Doll & Em. Nivola is currently in production on Downton Abbey 3.

VIRTUOSO AWARD
Marianne Jean-Baptiste, an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominee, reunited with Mike Leigh for Hard Truths, a tragicomic exploration of contemporary life. Known for her acclaimed performance in Secrets & Lies, Jean-Baptiste continues her dynamic career with recent roles in The Following Events Are Based On A Pack Of Lies and Rumble Through the Dark alongside Aaron Eckhart. She also stars in Apple TV+’s Surface and romantic comedy Boxing Day. In addition to her acting, Jean-Baptiste is a writer and composer, having written the score for Leigh’s Career Girls.

HUMANITARAN AWARD
Lhakpa Sherpa is a pioneering mountaineer, holding the record for the most summits of Mt. Everest by a woman, with 10 successful climbs. Her journey began in 2000, when she became the first Nepali woman to summit Everest and survive. In 2024, Netflix released Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa, a documentary chronicling her historic achievements and personal struggles. Lhakpa’s story of resilience, overcoming gender barriers, surviving intimate partner violence, and navigating life as a single mother inspires others to pursue their dreams and rise above their circumstances.

Why Lhakpa Sherpa is receiving the Humanitarian Award.
Lhakpa Sherpa will receive the 2024 San Diego International Film Festival Humanitarian Award for her exceptional commitment to empowering marginalized communities. As the first Nepali woman to summit Mt. Everest and the record holder for the most summits by a woman, Lhakpa is a symbol of resilience and courage. Her story of overcoming adversity and advocating for gender equality inspires women and girls globally.v

AUTEUR AWARD
Amanda Righetti is a Utah-born, Nevada-raised actor and producer, recognized as Best Actress by the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival. She gained fame as “Hailey Nichol” on THE O.C. and later starred in NORTH SHORE and REUNION. Righetti’s film credits include FRIDAY THE 13TH, CAPTAIN AMERICA, and ROLE MODELS. She also starred in THE MENTALIST and COLONY. Most recently, Amanda appeared in REAGAN as Nelle Reagan, Ronald Reagan’s mother, in a biopic exploring his early years and political influences.