Film Society Awards Night is one of San Francisco’s most highly anticipated black-tie gala events, benefitting the San Francisco International Film Festival and the Film Society’s Education Program. This lively and memorable evening honors three legends in the world of cinema with awards, peer tributes and career highlights.

Download PDF of Film Society Awards Night Table Purchase.

The Honorees
Each year we present three awards: the Film Society Directing Award, the Peter J. Owens Acting Award, and the Kanbar Screenwriting Award.

A Special Toast to the 50th Anniversary
This year, in celebration of our historic 50th anniversary, Mayor Gavin Newsom and iconic figures from San Francisco’s maverick film community will make onstage appearances. Read about this year's awardees.

A Glamorous Roster of Past Recipients
Owens Award recipients have included Ed Harris, Joan Allen, Chris Cooper, Dustin Hoffman, Kevin Spacey, Sean Penn, Winona Ryder, Nicholas Cage and Annette Bening.

We have honored the directing achievements of Werner Herzog, Taylor Hackford, Milos Forman, Robert Altman, film icon Warren Beatty and acclaimed director and actor Clint Eastwood, as well as masters of world cinema such as Iran’s Abbas Kiarostami, France’s Robert Bresson, Mexico’s Arturo Ripstein and India’s Satyajit Ray.

The Kanbar Award for screenwriting has been presented to Jean-Claude Carrière and Academy Award nominee Paul Haggis.

Corporate Association
Film Society Awards Night has emerged nationally as one of the most noteworthy award programs on the Festival circuit. Participation in this event provides an association with San Francisco’s elite society, industry moguls and business leaders, national press and A-list celebrities.

Support the San Francisco Film Society Education Program while providing your employees or clients with an outstanding evening’s entertainment—an elegant dinner filled with fine food and wine, an impressive awards presentation and a chance to meet celebrities and leaders in the film industry.

Premier sponsors receive primary exposure, placement and recognition at this exclusive, star-studded event. We create customized packages with benefits that include print exposure in the gala program, onscreen exposure at the event and during the 50th SFIFF, sampling opportunities and corporate entertainment. In addition, top-tier sponsors receive association with several valuable elements of the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival, including access to the Festival’s ticket buyers, exciting screenings, celebrity guests and special events.