SF Film Society Creates "Honors" Award

The San Francisco Film Society has announced a new annual award and tribute celebrating achievement in filmmaking, establishing a new landmark cinema event on the Bay Area's major event calendar. 

SF Honors, made possible by a $1 million, ten-year gift from SF Film Society Board Vice President Todd Traina and philanthropist Diane Wilsey, is designed to bring particular attention to innovation and audacity in current cinema with a screening and special onstage tribute to the creators and cast of one of the best films of the year. The inaugural SF Honors acknowledges the groundbreaking accomplishments of Damien Chazelle's La La Land, from Lionsgate's Summit Entertainment label, with a public screening event Thursday December 8, 8:30 pm at the Castro Theatre. Writer/director Damien Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling, John Legend, and Emma Stone will attend in person and participate in an in-depth onstage conversation about their work. 

Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Damien Chazelle, La La Land tells the story of Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams. The film has been garnering acclaim all over the international film festival circuit since its premiere, including the Toronto International Film Festival's People's Choice Award, and Venice International Film Festival's prize for Best Actress, for star Emma Stone. La La Land opens in select cities December 9 and expands on December 16.   

Tickets to SF Honors: La La Land are $20 for SF Film Society members, $25 general; now on sale at sffs.org.