A woman smiles on the red carpet at the San Diego International Film Festival, as the logos on the banner behind the woman read.
Viola Davis. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro)

The Night of the Stars on Oct. 13 at The Conrad in La Jolla celebrated the 25th anniversary of the San Diego International Film Festival.

The guests arrived dressed to impress in stunning evening wear as they came together to honor some of the film industry’s finest talents.

This star-studded tribute began with a cocktail reception and an impressive silent auction in the Jai Lounge.

One of the standouts pieces was a limited-edition art print, “Summer Horse,” by Ruben H. Chato. Guests had the opportunity to bid on this beautiful artwork, with one lucky bidder taking it home.

Fashion designer Melissa Pellone contributed a custom gown created with silver and white sequins. Originally created as the finale look for the PELLONE Collection at Paris Fashion Week, this stunning gown was another highlight of the silent auction. One fortunate bidder had the opportunity to take home this elegant creation.

The Jai Lounge also featured a student art exhibition, with the proceeds benefiting the FOCUS on Impact Educational Program, which supports the next generation of filmmakers. Noah Sanchez was this year’s student winner.

  • woman in black lace dress with black heels.
    Another lace black dress with peekaboo cutouts worn by comedian Iliza Shlesinger, who won the Trailblazer Award from San Diego International Film Festival. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro)
  • Blond Woman in lace black dress with thigh split and cinched shiny corset
    Actress Sophia Levi on the San Diego International Film Festival red carpet. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro)
  • Two women in maximalist prints and accessories
    Interior designers Michelle Harrison and Rachel Moriarty on the red carpet. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro)
  • Man in white longsleeve shirt with two breast pockets, then black pants and shoes. woman in blue plaid dress with simple silhouette
    Kelly Hammond, cinemotographer, and Simonne Villa-Michel Borel, writer and director of short film “One Woman, Thousands of Bees.” (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro)
  • black velvety boots with silver flowers and vines tracing up the side.
    Mira Sorvino’s boots, from brand Christian Louboutin, stole the red carpet. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro)
  • black and silver dress with empire waist.
    Tonya Mantooth, Executive Director of San Diego International Film Festival, at the 2026 Night of the Stars.
  • woman in white dress and man in casual wear
    Jana Gallagher, producer, and Michael Gallagher, writer and director, of “The Leaders.” (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro)
  • teal and yellow painting of horse
    “Summer Horse” by painter Rueben H. Chato sits among auction items at San Diego International Film Festival. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro)
  • Muscular man in black coat with gold beading
    Personal trainer Elie Hawawini wearing Barabasmen at The Night of the Stars. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro)
  • Sequined gown on a table
    Fashion designer Melissa Pellone’s silver and white sequin gown for the silent auction at San Diego International Film Festival. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro)

The evening was hosted by CBS 8 news anchors Carlo Cecchetto and Marcella Lee. Artist Cynthia Berg Polsan created a sculpture, “Illumination,” for the award ceremony, symbolizing the power of film to illuminate, connect, and inspire.

Comedian Iliza Shesinger stepped into the spotlight to receive the Trailblazer Award. She arrived on the red carpet wearing a striking black lace dress by Fleur du Mal. This is one of today’s popular fashion trends.

Two women stand on red carpet at the San Diego International Film Festival, as the logos on the banner behind them read.
Mira Sorvino wearing Christian Louboutin boots, and Erika De La
Cruz wearing designer Rick Owens. (Photo by Diana Cavagnaro)

Actress Mira Sorvino made a fashionable entrance dressed in black, accessorized with fabulous Christian Louboutin Morgan Fleur crystal-embellished, knee-high velvet boots. She was honored with the Virtuoso Award.

The crowd waited in anticipation for Viola Davis to make her appearance on the red carpet. She was there to receive the Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence, presented by director and producer Cecilia Peck, the late actor’s daughter.

Davis is one of the select performers to achieve EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. I had the opportunity to ask her about the Davis-Tennon Foundation. She said that she established the foundation to help eradicate childhood hunger.

For more information about the San Diego International Film Festival, visit https://sdfilmfest.com/.

Upcoming events

Saturday – Kenneth Barlis Fashion Show at the Legacy Hotel at 5 p.m. General admission tickets, $100.
Nov. 8 – Slow Fashion Day from 2-9 p.m. at The Lane (900 Bayfront Court, Suite 200) with upcycling workshops and fashion show. The event is free.
Nov. 20-22 – Fifth annual San Diego Environmental Film Festival at Digital Gym and UCSD Park and Market, with a sustainable fashion show on Nov. 21.

Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Southern California area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher and podcaster at dianacavagnaro.com.