Tue Dec 23 06:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the SFFILM Awards Night:

SFFILM Honors Kristen Stewart, Benicio Del Toro, and Others at Star-Studded Awards Night

San Francisco, CA – The Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture was alight with stars on December 8th as SFFILM hosted its annual Awards Night, celebrating exceptional achievements in cinema. Kristen Stewart, Benicio Del Toro, Wunmi Mosaku, and Scott Cooper were the honorees of the evening, which was attended by hundreds of industry professionals, sponsors, and SFFILM supporters.

The event, co-chaired by Alexandra Wells and Leslie Olrich, brought together a diverse array of talent, from major motion picture creators to independent filmmakers. Notable guests included Richard Gere, Boots Riley, Odessa Young, and fashion designer Zac Posen, adding to the glamour of the red carpet. Imogen Poots, Delroy Lindo, and Regina Hall presented awards.

SFFILM Programming Director Jessie Fairbanks emphasized the importance of community and theatrical viewing in sustaining the art of storytelling. “You need to show up. You need to be in community and come to theaters,” she stated, highlighting the unique experience of watching films with others.

Kristen Stewart received the Nion McEvoy & Leslie Berriman Award for Storytelling for her directorial debut, “The Chronology of Water,” an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir that Stewart dedicated eight years to. Benicio Del Toro was presented with the Maria Manetti Shrem Award for Acting, recognizing his outstanding and independent body of work, notably his recent role in “One Battle After Another.” Scott Cooper accepted the Irving M. Levin Award for Film Direction for “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” a film praised for its unflinching portrayal of grief and depression. He also spoke passionately about the importance of community and cited the Bay Area as a hub for social justice. Wunmi Mosaku, honored with the George Gund III Award for Virtuosity for her role in “Sinners,” discussed the complexities of her character and the lessons she learned from her.

The evening’s theme centered on the power of cinema to unite communities and tell vital stories. The event concluded with the announcement of the 69th annual SFFILM Festival, scheduled to run from April 24th to May 4th, 2026.

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