San Francisco, CA – November 29, 2023: The highly anticipated SFFILM Awards Night has unveiled its distinguished list of honorees for this year. Among the celebrated names are Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Greta Gerwig, acclaimed filmmaker Roger Ross Williams, Emmy award-winning storyteller Cord Jefferson, and the versatile actor Nicolas Cage.
This annual gala serves as a fundraiser, channeling its proceeds toward supporting SFFILM’s imperative mission to champion emerging talents and showcase the vanguard in the world of cinema. Scheduled for Monday, December 4, 2023, at San Francisco’s esteemed Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the event promises to be a beacon in the film industry’s calendar of awards and the social itinerary of philanthropic patrons.
“SFFILM has been a cultural pillar in San Francisco for over sixty years, consistently spotlighting unique voices in film, exemplified by our esteemed honorees – Greta Gerwig, Roger Ross Williams, Cord Jefferson, and Nicolas Cage,” remarked Anne Lai, Executive Director of SFFILM. “SFFILM Awards Night pays tribute to filmmakers who have honed their craft, showcasing their dedication and talent nurtured by organizations like ours. We are immensely grateful for the generous support of our guests, which propels our mission forward.”
Jessie Fairbanks, Director of Programming at SFFILM, shared insights into the selection process, stating, “Greta, Roger, Cord, and Nicolas epitomize multifaceted creativity, pushing the boundaries of cinema with fearless innovation while offering insightful commentary on our world. Their voices resonate now more than ever.”
Greta Gerwig, acclaimed for her distinctive humor and unique cinematic perspective, will receive the esteemed Irving M. Levin Award for Film Direction. Renowned actor Ryan Gosling will present this accolade, recognizing Gerwig’s exceptional contributions to cinema, including her recent groundbreaking work on the widely acclaimed film “Barbie.”
Roger Ross Williams, an Oscar, Emmy, Webby, Peabody, and NAACP Image Award-winning director, will be honored with the Nion McEvoy & Leslie Berriman Award for Storytelling. Actor Raúl Castillo will present this award, acknowledging Williams’ stellar achievements in film and storytelling, notably with his impactful documentary “Music By Prudence.”
Cord Jefferson, an Emmy award-winning writer celebrated for his versatility in storytelling across various acclaimed series, will be bestowed with the George Gund III Award for Virtuosity. Esteemed actor John Ortiz will present this accolade, recognizing Jefferson’s contributions to groundbreaking series like “Watchmen” and “Succession.”
Nicolas Cage, a versatile actor with a career spanning over four decades, will be honored with the prestigious Maria Manetti Shrem Lifetime Achievement Award for Acting. Cage’s remarkable versatility, evident in an array of iconic films from “Raising Arizona” to “National Treasure,” will be celebrated during this event.
The SFFILM Awards Night continues its legacy of honoring excellence in film, celebrating the visionaries who continue to shape and redefine the cinematic landscape.
