Mark Hamill Wins Gregory Peck Award at San Diego Film Festival 2024
San Diego, CA — The 2024 San Diego Film Festival honored Mark Hamill with the prestigious Gregory Peck Award for Excellence in Cinema, celebrating his legendary contributions to film and voice acting. The Star Wars icon, best known as Luke Skywalker, dedicated the award to the mentors and collaborators who shaped his decades-long career.
Emotional Tribute to Mentors & Collaborators
Held at the historic Balboa Theatre, the ceremony showcased highlights from Hamill’s iconic roles—from Star Wars to his Emmy-winning turn as the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series. Clad in a navy-blue suit, Hamill received a standing ovation as he took the stage, visibly moved.
“There are so many people who helped me get to where I am today,” Hamill said. “From George Lucas, who gave an unknown actor a chance, to the crews, stunt teams, and fellow actors—this award is theirs too.”
The Legacy of the Gregory Peck Award
Past honorees include Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, and Cate Blanchett. Tonya Mantello, festival director, praised Hamill’s versatility: “Mark isn’t just Luke Skywalker—he’s a chameleon who brings depth to every role, on-screen or behind the mic.”
Hamill, known for his humor, shared a hilarious Star Wars blooper (involving a faulty lightsaber) but turned serious when honoring Gregory Peck’s activism: “He wasn’t just a great actor but a man of principle. If I can inspire even a fraction of his goodwill, I’ll be proud.”
Beyond Star Wars: Hamill’s Lasting Impact
While Star Wars made him a household name, Hamill’s career spans:
– Voice acting (Joker, Avatar: The Last Airbender)
– Broadway (Amadeus, The Nerd)
– Live-action TV (The Flash, What We Do in the Shadows)
Surprise video messages from Harrison Ford and Daisy Ridley highlighted his mentorship. Ridley said: “Mark makes every set feel like home—he lifts everyone around him.”
What’s Next for Mark Hamill?
At 72, Hamill teased new voice-acting projects and indie film collaborations, proving his passion remains undimmed. “The joy is in always learning,” he said. “I’m just grateful to still be in the game.”
The night celebrated not just Hamill’s cinematic legacy, but his humility and gratitude—a true Hollywood legend.
— By [Your Name], NextMinuteNews
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