Hollywood heavyweights, Oscar-winning artisans light up Day 7 red carpet at SCAD Savannah Film Festival

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -Day seven of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival brought an electric wave of star power to Broughton Street on Friday, headlined by Hollywood legends, television collaborators, and Oscar-winning craftsmen.

Fans carrying memorabilia and movie collectibles lined the sidewalks outside the historic Trustees Theater, erupting into cheers as icons of the screen and behind-the-scenes visionaries stepped onto the red carpet.

Among the evening’s biggest draws was Keanu Reeves, who was met with an outpouring of enthusiasm from fans clutching items ranging from “John Wick” figurines to “Cyberpunk” memorabilia. While Reeves made a brief appearance on the red carpet, he was honored with the festival’s prestigious Legend of Cinema Award.

Joining him on the carpet was acclaimed actor Ethan Hawke, celebrated for dynamic roles ranging from Richard Linklater’s classics to the chilling villain in “The Black Phone.” Hawke appeared alongside writer and director Sterlin Harjo (“Reservation Dogs”) to receive the Outstanding Collaboration in Television Award.

The spotlight also shone brightly on behind-the-camera artistry with Academy Award-winning production designer Patrice Vermette, who received the Variety Creative Impact in Production Design Award. Vermette, the architect behind the sprawling, immersive sci-fi landscapes of “Dune,” reflected on the creative exchange after spending three hours with SCAD students earlier in the day.

“It was fun, it was an honest—I hate to call it a master class, I like it, I like a discussion. A conversation. And it was like a really, really nice exchange,” Vermette said. “And seeing the stars in their eyes, I feel like it’s—I’m not worried about the future.”

Other featured guests on the red carpet included acclaimed makeup designer Donald Mowat and film editor John Gilroy, who attended for the screening of the film “Behemoth!.”

The evening also celebrated returning SCAD alumni who have built prominent industry careers, including artists and editors now working on major hit productions like “Stranger Things” and “The Bear.”

The 27th annual SCAD Savannah Film Festival wraps up Saturday with its final slate of screenings and awards.