RIAN JOHNSON’S “WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY”
TO CLOSE THE FESTIVAL
SAN DIEGO/LOS ANGELES, CA (September 26, 2025): Set against the stunning backdrop of California’s coastline, the San Diego International Film Festival is more than just a film festival — it’s a cultural experience. From international cinema that sparks global dialogue to local stories that reflect the heart of our community, the Festival brings together the best in cinematic storytelling, creativity, and human connection.
The San Diego International Film Festival announced today that Mark Hamill (The Life of Chuck) will receive the prestigious Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence, while Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin (Children of a Lesser God, CODA) will be honored with the Visionary Impact Award. The Virtuoso Award will be presented to John Magaro (September 5, The Agency), a versatile actor known for his work across film, television, and stage. Joe Manganiello, celebrated for his roles in True Blood, Magic Mike, and Netflix’s Nonnas, will be recognized with the Spotlight Award at the Night of the Stars Tribute, taking place October 16th at The Conrad in La Jolla, CA.
Additionally, the Festival announced that its Closing Night film will be Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery which will screen at AMC La Jolla 14 UTC.
Now in its 24th year, the San Diego International Film Festival will take place October 15–19 in San Diego, CA. For the latest festival updates and information, visit www.sdfilmfest.com.
According to Tonya Mantooth, CEO/Artistic Director of the San Diego International Film Festival, “Between the amazing film lineup and the addition of our award honorees, our festival attendees are in for an incredible experience. Mark Hamill, Marlee Matlin, John Magaro and Joe Manganiello all have films currently in theatrical release, or are about to be released, and have been showcased in major festivals that lead into the awards circuit. The San Diego International Film Festival is committed to celebrating cinematic excellence and honoring extraordinary talent with strong bodies of work, making this an unforgettable opportunity for all involved!.”
Mark Hamill is a BAFTA and Emmy-winning actor whose face and voice have graced screens for over 40 years. He was most recently seen as “The Major” in Lionsgate’s Steven King adaptation THE LONG WALK and re-teamed with Mike Flanagan to star opposite Tom Hiddleston in Neon’s THE LIFE OF CHUCK, which won the Audience Award at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Additional upcoming projects include Paramount’s upcoming THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SEARCH FOR SQUAREPANTS, in which he plays The Flying Dutchman.
Hamill is best known for his portrayal of Luke Skywalker in the original STAR WARS movies and reprised his role in both the sequels as well as the second season of “The Mandalorian” and season one of “The Book of Boba Fett.” He has also appeared in the films KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, Sony’s THE MACHINE, and BRIGSBY BEAR. Hamill’s extensive voice acting work includes Dreamwork’s recent 3x Oscar-nominated THE WILD ROBOT, the Oscar-winning THE BOY AND THE HERON, a long-standing role as the Joker, commencing with “Batman: The Animated Series” and the video game “Arkham City,” for which he received a BAFTA Award. On the small screen, Hamill appeared in Netflix’s “Sandman” as well as “Dark Crystal,” F/X’s “What We Do In the Shadows,” and Mike Flanagan’s “House of Usher” for Netflix. On stage, he has appeared in several Broadway productions, receiving a nomination for a Drama Desk Award in 1985 for Outstanding Actor in a Musical.
Marlee Matlin made history with her film debut in Children of a Lesser God, earning the Academy Award for Best Actress at age 21—the youngest ever and one of only a few to win for a debut role. She also received a Golden Globe for the performance. In 2022, she and her castmates from CODA won the SAG Award for Best Ensemble; the film went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards. She was previously nominated for an Oscar in 2021 as Executive Producer of the short film Feeling Through.
Matlin has earned four Emmy nominations for standout television roles in The West Wing, Seinfeld, The L Word, and Switched at Birth. In 2023, she became the first Deaf director in the Directors Guild of America for FOX’s Accused, and in 2024, she won her first Emmy for hosting PBS’s Media Access Awards. In 2025, her life and advocacy were chronicled in the PBS American Masters documentary Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, which premiered at Sundance.
A bestselling author, advocate, and Tony-nominated Broadway actress, Matlin has a First Look production deal with AppleTV, and is currently serving her second term as a Governor of the Academy. In 2025, she accepted a special Oscar honoring pioneers of closed captioning.
John Magaro has cultivated a rich and versatile career across film, television, and theatre. Most recently, he starred as jazz legend Keith Jarrett in KÖLN 75, which premiered at the 2025 Berlinale. He also led Cole Webley’s OMAHA, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film follows a father taking his children on a cross-country road trip after their home is foreclosed.
Magaro also co-starred in Tim Fehlbaum’s SEPTEMBER 5, a historical thriller about the 1972 Munich massacre, which earned a Golden Globe nomination. On television, he appears in the Paramount+ espionage series THE AGENCY, produced by George Clooney and starring Michael Fassbender.
Upcoming, he’ll be seen in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s THE BRIDE!, and he recently wrapped THE MASTERMIND, his third collaboration with Kelly Reichardt. Magaro earned acclaim for his role in PAST LIVES, a 2023 Oscar-nominated drama, and produced/starred in LAROY, TEXAS. Other recent credits include BIG GEORGE FOREMAN and DAY OF THE FIGHT. He gained recognition in Reichardt’s FIRST COW and starred in THE BIG SHORT, OVERLORD, and THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK. On stage, he’s appeared on Broadway and off-Broadway, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and dedicated performer.
Joe Manganiello is an actor, director, producer, writer, and host with a BFA in acting from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama. He rose to fame as Alcide on HBO’s True Blood and starred in major franchises including Magic Mike, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, Rampage, Sabotage, Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, and as Deathstroke in Justice League.
Currently, Manganiello stars in the Emmy-nominated Netflix film Nonnas, alongside Vince Vaughn, based on the true story of an Italian restaurant run by grandmothers. He also joins Season 2 of Netflix’s One Piece as fan-favorite villain Crocodile, with the series recently renewed for a third season. He hosts and executive produces NBC’s primetime hit Deal or No Deal Island, now streaming its second season on Peacock.
Additional acting credits include The Kill Room with Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson, Love, Death & Robots, Mythic Quest, Shoplifters of the World, and Archenemy, the latter two produced by his company, 3:59. Off-screen, Manganiello serves on the boards of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Children of Armenia Fund. He’s also an advisory board member for Liquid Death and Colossal Biosciences, reflecting his diverse interests beyond entertainment.
Previous honorees at the festival have included Annette Bening, Laurence Fishburne, Adrien Brody, Regina Hall, Kenny Loggins, Andy Garcia, Geena Davis, Kate Beckinsale, Sir Patrick Stewart, amongst many others.
Closing Night Film: Wake Up Dead Man, A Knives Out Mystery
Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns for his most dangerous case yet in the third and darkest chapter of Rian Johnson’s murder mystery opus. When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the
pews. Wicks’s modest but devoted flock includes devout church lady Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), circumspect groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church), tightly wound lawyer Vera Draven (Kerry Washington), aspiring politician Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack), town doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremy
Renner), bestselling author Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), and concert cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny). After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc to unravel a mystery that defies all logic.
ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The San Diego International Film Festival is more than just a film festival – it’s a cultural experience including world premieres, never before seen studio releases and the best in independent filmmaking. From international cinema that inspires global dialogue, to local stories that reflect the heart of our community, the Festival brings together the best cinematic storytelling, creativity, celebrations and human connections. As the region’s premier film event and one of the leading stops on the independent festival circuit, the Festival champions diverse voices, bold perspectives, films that spark empathy and conversation. It’s world class cinema blended with the energy and beauty of San Diego.
ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO FILM FOUNDATION
A 501c.3, The San Diego Film Foundation’s mission is to harness the power of film to explore issues of global impact, foster civil dialogue and cultivate empathy through understanding in an increasingly diverse and complex world, with three powerful initiatives:
- FOCUS on Impact Education Program for all High School and College Students in San Diego County (Fall and Spring 2025/2026)* sdfilmfest.com/education
- Film Insider Series (May – August 2025) sdfilmfest.com/film-insider-series
- 2025 San Diego International Film Festival (October 15-19, 2025) sdfilmfest.com
The groundbreaking FOCUS on Impact Film Library is designed to help prepare our future leaders in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego Unified School District, and San Diego Community College District. The mission is to equip students with the critical thinking and communication skills needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world through the transformative power of film, curriculum and conversation.
PASS PACKAGES:
The Festival’s signature events (Opening Night Film and Pre-Reception and Culinary Cinema) typically sell out. The best way to guarantee reservations at these events is to purchase a pass and reserve your tickets no later than Sep 29th.
The VIP Pass Package includes: Opening Night Film Premiere and Party, Night of the Stars Tribute, Party With a Purpose, Culinary Cinema, first access to all film screenings, panels, special events and Fest Lounge.
The Fest Pass Package includes all screenings on Thursday – Sunday. Does NOT include Opening Night Film & Party, Night of the Stars Tribute or Culinary Cinema.
The Weekend Pass Package includes all screenings on Saturday and Sunday only. Culinary Cinema not included
10-Ticket Package: Choose 10 screenings from a curated selection of premieres, international films, indies, docs, and shorts. Your festival, your way. Buy the 10-Ticket Bundle for $175 and save $25! Valid Thu, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 19
Individual event tickets to the signature events will go on Sept 12th on a space available basis.
There are a variety of Festival Packages available to suit every budget. Individual screenings can be purchased for $20 all the way up to the VIP PASS PACKAGE for $575. Learn more about Festival ticketing options https://sdfilmfest.com/buy-passes/
We are cashless/paperless and badges are printed physically. All tickets can be uploaded digitally and scanned.
Susan
Susan Clausen
619-933-0038
CLAUSEN COMMUNICATIONS
Public Relations
– Connecting the Community –
Current Clients Include:
Leave a Reply