Tessa Thompson Honored at SCAD Savannah Film Festival 2025

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) proudly announces its first list of honorees for the 2025 SCAD Savannah Film Festival, taking place Oct. 25–Nov. 1. As the nation’s largest university-run film festival, SCAD celebrates a dynamic lineup of acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and producers whose work has shaped the year in cinema.

This year’s honorees will participate in awards presentations, moderated conversations, and master classes with SCAD students, offering a unique opportunity to connect with some of the most celebrated individuals working in the entertainment industry. These honorees include:

• Will Arnett will receive the Luminary Award at a screening of Is This Thing On?.
• Rose Byrne will receive the Luminary Award at a screening of If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.
• Miles Caton will receive the Rising Star Award at a screening of Sinners.
• Zoey Deutch will receive the Breakthrough Performance Award at a screening of Nouvelle Vague.
• Joel Edgerton will receive the Vanguard Award at a screening of Train Dreams.
• Mark Hamill will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at a screening of The Life of Chuck.
• Oscar Isaac will receive the Icon Award at a screening of Frankenstein.
• Dylan O’Brien will receive the Lumiere Award at a screening of Twinless.
• Benny Safdie will receive the Maverick Director Awardat a screening of The Smashing Machine.
• Tessa Thompson will receive the Distinguished Performance Award at a screening of Hedda.

“The 2025 SCAD Savannah Film Festival brings together a constellation of cinematic luminaries whose work has captivated audiences and shaped the cultural landscape,” said Christina Routhier, Senior Executive Director of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. “From visionary directors to the most compelling performances of the season, these honorees exemplify the artistry that define today’s moviemaking. For our students, this festival is more than a celebration — it's an unparalleled opportunity to engage with and learn from the very creators whose work inspires them. The presence of these individuals in Savannah offers a rare glimpse into the creative process and serves as a catalyst for the next generation of storytellers from our university.”