At San Diego International Airport. Mark Hamill won the Gregory Peck Award for Excellence in Film at the festival, which ran from October 15th to 19th.
This award recognizes the career achievements of a film actor, producer, or director for their contributions to film. A video montage that preceded the award featured highlights from Hamill’s career.
Hamill rose to fame as Luke Skywalker in 1977’s Star Wars, and reprized the role in its sequels, The Mandalorian Season 2 and The Book of Boba Fett.
His latest role is in Lionsgate’s Stephen King’s The Long Walk, directed by Francis Lawrence. Upcoming projects include Paramount’s “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.”
His other credits include voice acting in Wild Robot, The Boy and the Heron, where he played the Joker for many years, starting with Batman: The Animated Series, and the BAFTA-winning video game Arkham City.
Carol Horst, Variety magazine’s deputy features editor, presented the award to the actor on stage. While accepting the honor, Hamill dedicated the award to all the cast and crew he has worked with throughout his long career.
“A career in this business is a complex endeavor, so I want to share this with the countless people who have helped me over the years,” he said. “I think of all the writers, directors, other actors and staff. I can’t do it alone. There are so many people who have helped me get to where I am today.”
Reflecting on his decades-long career, the actor said he pursued acting out of pure passion, but never expected he would leave an impactful mark on the entertainment industry.
“When I decided to become an actor, I didn’t have high aspirations,” he continued. “My goal was to be a hard worker, do what I love, and be able to make a living doing it and pay my bills and hopefully support my family.”
Hamill ended his acceptance speech by thanking his wife for her support and sharing the honor with her.
“In 1978 I married Marylou Hamill, a former dental hygienist, and it was the best decision I ever made,” he said. “She gave me three beautiful children. She’s been with me through the ups and downs and ups and downs of this crazy business. I can’t thank her enough. I love you.”
