Taran Killam, Heather Graham, Kumail Nanjiani, and Blake Jenner Honored at San Diego International Film Festival

The San Diego International Film Festival (Oct 4-8, 2017) produced each year by the San Diego Film Foundation is proud to announce that Heather Graham, Kumail Nanjiani, Blake Jenner, and Taran Killam will be honored at the San Diego International Film Festival, which runs Oct. 4-8. The awards will be presented Oct. 5 at the Variety Night of the Stars Tribute at the Pendry San Diego.

Graham will receive the Virtuoso Award, which is given to an actor who has "enriched our culture through exceptional accomplishments in the film industry," according to the fest. Graham broke into Hollywood starring in Gus Van Sant's "Drugstore Cowboy" and has appeared in "Boogie Nights," "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me," and "The Hangover." She will next star in NBC's "Law and Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders."

Nanjiani will receive the Auteur Award, given to an actor whose artistic influence "results in a significant impact on a film." He is co-writer, exec producer, and star of the Lionsgate-Amazon release "The Big Sick." He also stars on HBO's series "Silicon Valley."

Jenner wrote and starred in the film "Juvenile" and appeared in "Everybody Wants Some" and "The Edge of Seventeen." Jenner will be presented with the Rising Star Award.

Killam will be honored with the Visionary Filmmaker tribute. He makes his big screen directing debut with "Killing Gunther." Killam appeared on "Saturday Night Live" for six seasons and has also appeared on Broadway.

The quartet join the previously announced Sir Patrick Stewart, who will receive the Gregory Peck Award for Excellence in Cinema.

Now in its 16th year, the San Diego International Film Festival will feature 117 films.

About the San Diego International Film Festival (SDiFF):

The San Diego International Film Festival is the region's premier film event and one of the leading stops on the independent festival circuit. SDiFF offers a totally unique film experience; including world premieres, never before seen studio releases, the best in independent filmmaking and a full schedule of glamorous parties and intimate events with filmmakers.

About The San Diego Film Foundation:
The San Diego Film Foundation (SDFF) is dedicated to making a difference through film. We believe that film can be transformative and we are bound together through human connection. Our mission is to use film to explore issues of global impact, to create dialog, to encourage self-reflection, and ultimately to develop empathy and understanding in an increasingly diverse and complex world.