Honoring the future and present of film at the Savannah Film Festival

Tom Salvaggio receives his award. Photo by Emory Dunn

Before the premiere of “A Dangerous Method” and in front of a packed house, the Silver Screen Society Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award were given to their respective honorees on Nov. 2.

Tom Salvaggio received the first award of the night for his senior film “Bone’Yeerd.” The Silver Screen Society Award goes to the best short film by a SCAD student, and has been given out for the past eight years. Along with the recognition, Salvaggio received a $2,500 cash prize.

When accepting his award, Salvaggio thanked his cast and crew and called the filming a “fantastic experience.”

Lily Tomlin is handed her Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo by Caroline Smith

The main event was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Lily Tomlin by Chris Auer, the chair of the film and television department. Professor Auer pointed to Tomlin’s body of work as proof of her being a “multi-faceted artist.” Tomlin, according to professor Auer, “kept us charmed and in stitches” throughout her films. He ended his introduction by saying, “To hazard a Hollywood trope, Lily Tomlin is the total package.”

And then Lily Tomlin took the stage. She accepted her award to a standing ovation, and took to the podium as the audience settled. In her acceptance speech, Tomlin expressed her joy at finding herself in Savannah and at the film festival.

“I wanted to come for ages and ages,” she said.

Tomlin went on to express her gratitude toward receiving the award, calling it an honor.

She concluded her speech with a piece of advice for students, “Whatever field you study, don’t hesitate to do something audacious.”