Every October, Savannah turns a little bit Hollywood. The SCAD Savannah Film Festival is back for its 28th year, bringing with it red carpets, celebrity sightings, and a week full of premieres and panels across town.
Running now through November 1, the festival transforms SCAD’s historic theaters into movie lover hotspots, showcasing 167 films from around the world. It’s the largest university run film festival in the world, and it’s right here in Savannah.
Each year, the festival draws some serious star power, and 2025 might be one of the most stacked lineups yet. This year’s honorees include Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, Spike Lee, and Kristen Stewart, with dozens more actors, directors, and filmmakers walking the red carpet throughout the week.
Fans packed Broughton Street on opening weekend to catch a glimpse of the arrivals outside the Trustees Theater, where the festival traditionally kicks off. “Star Wars” legend Mark Hamill’s appearance was one of the biggest moments so far, as fans and students lined the sidewalks hoping for a wave or selfie.
One big name won’t make it, though. Jennifer Lopez, who was scheduled to appear on November 1 for a special screening of Kiss of the Spider Woman, canceled her appearance due to “unforeseen circumstances.” SCAD confirmed all ticket holders will receive refunds.
Actress Sydney Sweeney also made an appearance, turning heads on the red carpet in a crisp, white one-shouldered Stella McCartney minidress from the brand’s Spring 2026 collection. The Euphoria star is among several celebrities spotted around town this week, adding to the growing buzz surrounding this year’s festival.
Among this year’s most talked about guests is Miles Teller, the Top Gun: Maverick actor who’s back in town to promote his new film Eternity. Teller, who’s been to several SCAD festivals in the past, said he loves the energy of Savannah and the film students who fill the crowds.
“It’s always pure here — everyone’s in it for the right reasons,” Teller told reporters. “Back in the day, we’d hit karaoke at McDonough’s after the screenings. It’s just a really great time.”
He was also spotted over the weekend catching the Eagles vs Giants game at Savannah Taphouse, proving that even movie stars can’t resist a Sunday football watch in the city.
This year’s festival has featured an exciting mix of big name directors and fresh faces. Jon M. Chu, the director of Wicked and Crazy Rich Asians, made an appearance to tease Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated sequel that hits theaters next year. “It goes deeper,” Chu said. “If you loved movie one, this one will feel even bigger — the numbers are huge, and the performances are extraordinary.”
Actress Zoey Deutch received the Breakthrough Performance Award, marking her second time attending the SCAD festival. “It’s so well organized and so impressive,” she said. “The school sets the bar really high, and it’s inspiring to be here.”
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, fresh off her Oscar win earlier this year, also walked the carpet to promote Eternity alongside Teller. She shared how much she’s come to love Savannah after filming Bride Hard here in 2025, calling it “a small town with big personality — and really great restaurants.”
Even with all the A-list appearances, the heart of the SCAD Film Festival has always been its connection to students. Many of them volunteer, attend panels, or even have their own short films screened alongside industry veterans.
“It’s one thing to study film in class,” said one SCAD student waiting along the red carpet, “but to see your idols right here in Savannah — that’s what makes it real.”
For locals, the festival brings a unique buzz to downtown that few other events can match. Restaurants fill up, fans camp out for photos, and historic theaters like the Lucas and Trustees glow late into the night. Even if you’re not attending a screening, you’ll feel the excitement walking down Broughton or past the SCAD Museum of Art.
The SCAD Savannah Film Festival has become a major stop on the road to awards season, often screening films that go on to receive Academy Award nominations. Past guests include Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Colman Domingo, and Ava DuVernay, among others.
This year continues that tradition with dozens of panels, premieres, and student showcases, all open to the public with advance tickets.
Whether you’re a film buff hoping to spot a celebrity or just want to soak in the energy of the city, the SCAD Film Festival is one of those uniquely Savannah moments, a mix of glitz, talent, and local charm that keeps people coming back each fall.
The festival runs through November 1, with screenings and red carpet events happening daily across downtown.
