Savannah is getting ready for a major Hollywood gathering this October. The SCAD Savannah Film Festival will welcome Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Gemma Chan, Jordan Firstman and several other stars and filmmakers.
The festival will run from October 24 to 31, 2026. Now in its 29th edition, the event continues to bring established Hollywood talent together with emerging creative voices.
Moreover, the week will feature more than award ceremonies. Fans can expect film screenings, filmmaker conversations, panels and special events. SCAD students will also have opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
Keanu Reeves Receives the Legend of Cinema Award
Keanu Reeves will be one of the festival’s biggest honorees. He will receive the Legend of Cinema Award during a special screening of The Matrix.
The honor celebrates a career closely linked to some of Hollywood’s most recognizable films. In particular, Reeves became a global star through his role as Neo in the Matrix franchise.
However, his festival appearance will not stop at the award ceremony. Reeves will also join a panel focused on BRZRKR, the comic book series he co-created with writer Matt Kindt and illustrator Ron Garney.
As a result, fans will get a chance to hear Reeves discuss his work beyond acting and filmmaking.
Seth Rogen Adds More Star Power
Seth Rogen is also joining the list of major honorees. He will receive the Spotlight Award for his work on A24’s The Invite.
Rogen stars in the film alongside Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton. The story follows a dinner gathering that takes an increasingly chaotic turn.
Meanwhile, Rogen continues to balance acting with writing, producing and other creative projects. His appearance adds another major name to this year’s festival lineup.
Gemma Chan and John Cho Among the Honorees
Gemma Chan will receive the Lumiere Award at the festival. The recognition adds another major acting talent to this year’s celebrations.
John Cho and Carrie Coon will also receive Luminary Awards. Cho is being recognized for Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother, while Coon will be honored for The Liberation.
Furthermore, Jordan Firstman will receive the Rising Star Director Award for Club Kid. Firstman wrote, directed and starred in the film.
Breakthrough and Ensemble Awards
The festival is also putting the spotlight on emerging performers. Rosalind Eleazar and Anthony Ippolito will receive Breakthrough Awards.
In addition, the cast of The Mosquito Bowl will receive the Ensemble Award. The honorees include Tom Francis, Nicholas Galitzine, Ray Nicholson and Bill Skarsgård.
The recognition highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Rather than focusing on one performer, the award celebrates the combined work of the cast.
Helen Mirren and Julianne Moore Already Announced
Several major names were announced before the latest group of honorees. Helen Mirren will receive the Legend of Entertainment Award during the festival’s opening night.
Mirren will also discuss A Talent for Murder during the event. The opening-night celebration is scheduled for October 24.
Meanwhile, Julianne Moore will receive the Icon Award. Other previously announced honorees include Paul Bettany, Ethan Hawke, Emmy Rossum and production designer Patrice Vermette.
Therefore, the festival’s 2026 lineup brings together both legendary performers and contemporary Hollywood talent.
The Festival Goes Beyond Celebrity Honors
Of course, the SCAD Savannah Film Festival is about much more than red-carpet appearances. The event will feature a broad selection of films and special screenings.
Among the highlighted titles are Backrooms, The Invite, Project Hail Mary and Sense and Sensibility. The program will also include other films from established and emerging filmmakers.
Additionally, the festival will present its Docs to Watch program. Ten documentaries will be showcased, followed by a panel moderated by The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg.
For aspiring filmmakers, these sessions offer valuable opportunities. They can hear directly from professionals working across different areas of the industry.
A Meeting Point for Hollywood and Emerging Talent
The SCAD Savannah Film Festival has built a reputation for combining established stars with emerging filmmakers. That balance remains an important part of the event.
Over the years, the festival has welcomed major names including Kevin Costner, Amy Adams, Ava DuVernay and Richard Linklater.
Moreover, the event attracts more than 70,000 guests during its eight-day run. Its mix of screenings, panels, workshops and industry conversations makes it a major annual event for film fans and students.
What to Expect in Savannah
With Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Gemma Chan, Helen Mirren, Julianne Moore and many other names on the program, the 2026 festival has a packed schedule.
The event will run from October 24 through October 31, 2026. Individual event tickets are scheduled to go on sale October 2.
From The Matrix to new films and documentaries, the festival will offer plenty for movie lovers to explore. At the same time, its student-focused events will give emerging creators a chance to learn from experienced industry professionals.
Stay tuned for more Hollywood news, film festival updates and entertainment stories as the SCAD Savannah Film Festival prepares for its 2026 edition!
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
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