SCAD Film Festival Honors Bettany and Parsons
Actors and directors gathered on Broughton Street for the third day of the Savannah event.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Awards
Live Poll
Do you believe local film festivals provide meaningful value to your community?
The SCAD Film Festival celebrated its third day in Savannah as honorees including Paul Bettany and Kane Parsons walked the red carpet. The weeklong event continues to highlight cinematic achievements across downtown locations.
Why it matters
The festival brings significant industry attention to Savannah, showcasing established stars and emerging talent in a series of high-profile public events.
Director Kane Parsons, who received the Next Gen Director Award, is 21 years old. Honorees were celebrated during events on Broughton Street throughout the festival's third day.
The players
Paul Bettany
The actor received the Virtuoso Award for his work on the series VisionQuest.
Kane Parsons
The 21-year-old filmmaker was presented with the Next Gen Director Award.
James Gray
The director was honored for his film Paper Tiger.
Scarlett Johansson
The actress stars in the film Paper Tiger, which was recognized at the festival.
The details
The festival features a lineup of screenings and red carpet events spanning downtown Savannah. James Gray was recognized for the film Paper Tiger, which features a cast including Scarlett Johansson, Miles Teller, and Adam Driver.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: The third day of the SCAD Film Festival took place.
October 31, 2026: The festival is scheduled to conclude on Saturday.
Culture Shift
The festival mirrors the institutional growth of the Savannah College of Art and Design film programs by cementing the city as a nexus for both emerging student talent and established industry veterans. This event highlights a broader transition where creative hubs are increasingly decentralized from major coastal studio lots.
Residents and visitors should expect ongoing activity and potential congestion near downtown event venues through the end of the week. Those planning to attend remaining festivities should verify specific event locations along the downtown corridor.
The takeaway
The SCAD Film Festival serves as a bridge for young creators to network with established professionals in a public setting. Attendees can track the final days of the schedule to catch remaining screenings in the downtown area.
What happens next
The festival will conclude on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry honors at the Awards section of our site.
Live Poll
Do you believe local film festivals provide meaningful value to your community?
