The San Diego International Film Festival announced that Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis (Fences) will be honored with the Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence. The award will be presented by Cecilia Peck at the Night of the Stars Tribute on October 13, 2026. The red-carpet celebration will kick off the 25th year of the prestigious festival held at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla.
“Viola Davis is one of the most extraordinary artists of our time. Her performances bring power, vulnerability, and truth to every role, while her work beyond the screen has helped create opportunities for others. The Gregory Peck Award celebrates an enduring contribution to cinema, and Viola Davis embodies that legacy. We are honored to celebrate her remarkable artistry and impact,” stated Tonya Mantooth, CEO & Artistic Director, San Diego International Film Festival.
The Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence is given to an individual whose work has made a profound impact on the art of cinema. Previous honorees include Mark Hamill, Penelope Ann Miller, Andy Garcia, Laurence Fishburne, Keith Carradine, Sir Patrick Stewart, and Annette Bening.
“It has always been our dream that Viola Davis would receive this award. Her talent, courage and humanity are unmatched. My father admired her work and would have respected her enormously as an artist and a human being. It means so much to me and to the San Diego Film Festival that we are honoring her with this award,” stated Celia Peck, film producer, director, actress, and daughter of Gregory Peck.
Viola Davis is a critically revered artist, activist, producer, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author. Davis has earned EGOT status through her Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and multi-Tony Award wins. She was honored in 2017 by Time 100 as one of the world’s most influential people and, in 2022, was honored with the Public Counsel’s William O. Douglas Award for her commitment to social justice causes. Davis has partnered with multiple programs to eradicate childhood hunger in the United States and recently launched the Davis-Tennon Foundation. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Davis received an Honorary Doctorate during its 109th Commencement Ceremony. She also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree from Rhode Island College and an Honorary Doctorate from the American Film Institute. Davis received the Cecil B. DeMille honor at the 2025 Golden Globes, was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame last summer, and received the NAACP Chairman’s Award earlier this year.
The festival is also proud to announce THE DEBUT as the opening night film for its 25th edition, screening October 14, 2026. Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, the film follows Mona Friedman as she is cast in a bit part at a small community theater, she transforms from a shy, unassuming housewife into a zealous method actor willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her marginal role—even if it means waging war against the show’s domineering director. The film is produced by Emma Stone and stars Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Cara Buono, Craig Bierko, Eldar Isgandarov, and Bernadette Peters.
The San Diego International Film Festival will take place from October 13-18, 2026, in San Diego, CA. For passes, tickets, and additional festival information, visit www.sdfilmfest.com.
ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The San Diego International Film Festival is San Diego’s premier showcase for independent and studio cinema, bringing together filmmakers, actors, industry leaders, and audiences for a week of film premieres, conversations, special events, and celebrations. For 25 years, the Festival has used the power of film to entertain, inspire, challenge perspectives, and create meaningful connections within the San Diego community and beyond.
