The eighth annual San Diego Film Festival has officially announced the winners after its Sept. 23 – 27 five-day run, which featured more than 75 film premieres. This year’s Festival winners collected their awards at the Sept. 26 Actors Ball & Awards Ceremony at Hotel Solamar. Best Actor went to James Van Der Beek – who was on-hand to accept the award for his leading role in Formosa Betrayed. Other celebrity guests on hand to celebrate the 8TH annual Fest included Seymour Cassel, Katie Lowes, Academy Award™ Winner Richard Dreyfuss who hosted an exclusive forum on film and civics in America and William Shatner who hosted a Q&A with filmgoers following the premiere of his film, William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet.

Best Actress: Mira Sorvino- Like Dandelion Dust Best Actor: James Van Der Beek- Formosa Betrayed Best Feature: Formosa Betrayed
Best Screenplay: Shem Bitterman- The Job
Best Documentary: American Harmony Best Short: True Beauty This Night
Best Music Video: Reilly’s “Sunlight” directed by David Altrogge,
Best San Diego Filmmaker: Chris Morrow- Wyland Earth Day
Audience Choice- Feature: Reach for Me
Audience Choice- Documentary: Jesse’s Story
Indie Icon Award: Seymour Cassel – Reach for Me

Films that premiered at the San Diego Film Festival have been picked up for distribution by PorchLight, Artisan and Samuel Goldwyn. SDFF premieres have also been nominated for and earned Academy Awards, including Super Size Me, Born into Brothels, and The Queen. Sponsors for the 2009 San Diego Film Festival include GQ Magazine, Syfy, Patrón, Sperry Topsider, Stella Artois, Bloomingdales, Think Blue, City of San Diego, Cox Communications, Time Warner, Limelight Public Relations, 944 and San Diego City Beat.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO FILM FESTIVAL Held in the Gaslamp Quarter — San Diego's premier entertainment district — San Diego Film Festival (SDFF) is a competitive five-day fest that offers attendees a 360 festival experience. Whether it’s a relaxing day of film and a night of parties, or catching a workshop and hitting a conference to learn from the pros, no single day is like another at SDFF. The Festival features more than 75 American and international feature, documentary, short films and music videos; intimate filmmaker and celebrity gatherings; industry panels; in addition to five nights of San Diego's most glamorous parties. San Diego Film Festival has earned more than 12 awards, including Best Beach Fest, Best Party Fest, Best Regional Film Fest and a coveted spot as one of the country's Top 10 Film Festival Vacations. Produced by the non profit 501(C) 3 San Diego Film Foundation, SDFF celebrated its eighth anniversary Sept. 23 – 27, 2009.