Topher Grace and Kenny Loggins Honored at San Diego International Film Festival

The San Diego International Film Festival (SDiFF), produced by the San Diego Film Foundation, announced today that they will honor Topher Grace, from Spike Lee's Awards-contender "BlacKkKlansman," with the Cinema Vanguard Award, while Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins will also receive this year's inaugural Music Icon Award. The awards will be presented October 11th at The Night of the Stars Tribute at the Pendry San Diego in Downtown San Diego, CA.

Additionally the festival announced that the opening night film of the festival will now be "Can You Ever Forgive Me," which stars Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant. Now in its 17th year, the San Diego International Film Festival will run from October 10th through October 14th in San Diego, CA. The most up to date festival information is available at www.sdfilmfest.com

Grace, recipient of this year's Cinema Vanguard Award, first caught the attention of audiences as one of the stars of the iconic television series, "That '70s Show," before going on to make his mark on the big screen in numerous films. He can currently be seen in Spike Lee's "BlacKkKlansman," opposite Adam Driver. Prior to that, Topher shot the feature "Under the Silver Lake," opposite Andrew Garfield. Both films premiered in this year's Cannes Film Festival. He recently wrapped production on the FOX 2000 feature film "Breakthrough" based on Joyce Smith's book. Grace also recently appeared in Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar," and was recently seen in the David Michôd Netflix black comedy, "War Machine," opposite Brad Pitt. Grace starred in the Sony Pictures Classics drama "Truth," opposite Robert Redford, Cate Blanchett, Dennis Quaid, and Elisabeth Moss. He recently made the move behind the camera and completed production as producer and star of the romantic musical comedy, "Opening Night", directed by Isaac Rentz.

The Music Icon Award, which will be presented to Kenny Loggins, is a first-ever San Diego International Film Festival award that honors an artist whose body of work has made a profound influence in music and film soundtracks. This reflects the very best in music and honors accomplishments in the entertainment field and through philanthropic contributions. In Kenny Loggins' remarkable four-decade-plus career, he has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, won two Grammy Awards, had smash hits on Hollywood's favorite soundtracks, rocked worldwide stages, and found his way into children's hearts while bringing his smooth, beautiful voice to platinum albums of a stunning variety of genres. His hit songs include "This Is It," "I'm Alright," "Footloose," "Danger Zone," and many more. Kenny also became the first major rock star to dedicate himself to recording music for children and families. His album Return to Pooh Corner remains the best-selling children's album of the last 20 years. In 2016, he released the children's book Footloose, inspired by his 1985 Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning "Song of the Year."

"We are extremely pleased to honor Topher for his versatility in film. This award is not only recognition of the fine work he has done this year in "BlacKkKlansman" but will continue to do in the years to come," said Tonya Mantooth, CEO and Artistic Director of the San Diego International Film Festival.

"We couldn't be more excited to honor Kenny Loggins with the first-ever Music Icon Award, as he is an extraordinary entertainer who has contributed so much to music and film soundtracks throughout the years," said Patti Judd, Festival Co-Founder.

Leading the program at this year's festival are the Gala Features screenings, which include 7 titles of various genres.

In addition, the San Diego International Film Festival is proud to screen narrative, documentary and short films, both in and out of competition, vying for top award honors. THE LINEUP below includes 115 films total, 7 Narrative Spotlight Competition films, 17 Narrative Competition films, 13 Documentary Competition films, and 72 Short films.

Screenings will be held in the historic Balboa Theater and Regal Theaters in Downtown San Diego, and ArcLight Cinemas in La Jolla. The complete list of 2018 San Diego Film Festival titles including descriptions will soon be available at www.sdfilmfest.com

Passes are currently on sale to VIP members and the general public. In addition to screenings and events, VIP passes provide access to the official festival lounge and parties where pass holders interact with Festival filmmakers and professionals in the film community. Individual tickets are currently on sale.

For more information regarding passes/tickets, press accreditation, industry passes, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.sdfilmfest.com

San Diego International Film Festival is produced by the nonprofit, San Diego Film Foundation.

More additions will be added to the program and announced soon.

About the San Diego International Film Festival

The San Diego International Film Festival is the region's premier film event and one of the leading stops on the independent festival circuit. The San Diego International Film Festival offers a totally unique film experience; including world premieres, never before seen studio releases, the best in independent filmmaking and a full schedule of glamorous parties and intimate events with filmmakers.

Learn more: www.sdfilmfest.com

About the San Diego Film Foundation

The San Diego Film Foundation is a 501(c)3 dedicated to making a difference through film. We believe that film can be transformative and we are bound together through human connection. Our mission is to use film to explore issues of global impact, to create dialog, to encourage self-reflection, and ultimately to develop empathy and understanding in an increasingly diverse and complex world.

The San Diego Film Foundation brings the finest independent cinematic storytelling from around the world to San Diego each year. We present films that make a difference through a robust variety of events and programs including:

The San Diego International Film Festival (Oct. 10-14, 2018)

FOCUS on Impact Film Tour for high school students (Spring 2019)

Film Insider Screenings (Feb-July, 2019)

Industry Insider Series (Patrons Only)

Annual Oscar Awards Viewing Party & Fundraiser

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