Paul Bettany, Kane Parsons among those honored at SCAD Savannah Film Festival

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Actors, directors and other creatives walked the red carpet on Broughton Street as part of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival.

James Gray, recipient of the Auteur Award, spoke about Savannah during the event.

“I’m like, this is the most beautiful place ever, to say nothing of the fried green tomatoes which were really great,” Gray said.

Virtuoso Award presented to Paul Bettany

Paul Bettany, known for playing Vision in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was presented with the Virtuoso Award for his work across television and film.

Bettany shared advice he said helped him in his early career: being the most prepared second option.

“You can’t control whether somebody more talented than you or better looking than you or more financially viable than you is going to go up for the same role. What you can control is how prepared you are,” Bettany said.

NextGen Director Award goes to Kane Parsons

Kane Parsons got his horror movie “Backrooms” greenlit by A24 at age 19. “Backrooms” became A24’s highest grossing film ever.

Parsons, now 21, is receiving the NextGen Director Award. He said he is often the youngest voice in the room and said honesty is key.

“In this context I just wanted to be upfront about where my expertise could like, the limits of it, and where other people could meet me halfway a little bit,” Parsons said.

Director of ‘Tangles’ discusses decade-long project

Leah Nelson is the director of “Tangles,” an animated film centering on a mother-daughter relationship as the daughter steps in as her mom’s caretaker after she is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The animated film took a decade to complete.

Nelson said her advice for avoiding burnout is taking time for yourself.

“Artists that are rested and have time with their friends, family, pets whatever, whatever they need, exercise, are going to make much better art,” Nelson said.

The festival continues on Broughton Street through Saturday.