SCAD TVfest's 12th Annual Event Honored The Best In Television, From Ken Watanabe to Kelsey Grammer
SCAD Atlanta's 2024 TVfest honoree Ken Watanabe. Photography Courtesy of SCAD
SCAD TVfest, an annual event celebrating the best in television and streaming, returned to Atlanta. Hosted at the new, state-of-the-art SCADshow theater, this event is in its 12th year of honoring outstanding talent in the film and television industry. This year’s lineup of honorees was more than exceptional, it was star-studded.
From acclaimed actors to rising stars, the honorees included Matt Bomer, Joel Kim Booster, Kelsey Grammer, George Lopez, Sonequa Martin-Green, Charlotte Stoudt, Josie Totah and Ken Watanabe, each receiving well-deserved recognition for their groundbreaking contributions. The event highlighted their performances and illustrious careers through screenings and conversations.
The opening night gala kicked off with the season two U.S. premiere screening of the Max original drama series Tokyo Vice, setting the tone for a weekend filled with exciting programming for attendees. Guests included honoree Watanabe, Ansel Elgort, Rachel Keller, J.T. Rogers, and Alan Poul, adding star power to the lineup.
SCAD Atlanta's 2024 TVfest. Screening of “Frasier” followed by a Q&A with actor and executive producer Kelsey Grammer and actors Jack Cutmore-Scott, Toks Olagundoye, Jess Salgueiro, and Anders Keith. Photography Courtesy of SCAD
As another exciting moment, Apple TV+ debuted its new, seven-part series Manhunt for attendees to get a first look. Manhunt is an astonishing account of the hunt for John Wilkes Booth shot in Georgia, and trust us, it kept us on the edge of our seats. Christina Routhier, senior executive director of SCAD theaters and festivals, shared her excitement that buzzed around the room throughout each panel and screening, emphasizing the diverse range of honorees and shows. To lighten the mood, among the impressive screening was the latest SCAD student-produced series, chefATL. A lively discussion followed the premiere of the pilot episode, with questions answered by HGTV’s very own John Giddings, James Beard award-winning chef and author Steven Satterfield, the cast and crew.
From iconic actors to buzzworthy series like The Gilded Age and The Morning Show, SCAD TVfest delivered captivating content for all attendees. In addition to honoring industry professionals, SCAD presented two SCAD45 Awards, recognizing graduates who have excelled in their creative careers. Deanna Greif and Filipe Messeder received the prestigious awards, highlighting SCAD alumni’s continued success in the entertainment industry. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, SCAD TVfest remains a beacon for recognizing talent and innovation. This year’s event went off without a hitch, opening up the floor for conversation, celebration, and inspiration, uniting industry professionals, students, and enthusiasts in a vibrant celebration of television excellence. Screening after screening and panel after panel, it was clear that Atlanta’s growing reputation as a hub for film and television isn’t slowing down
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 10: (L-R) Liz Vastola, Dan Lawson, Karl Rouse, and Johnetta Boone speak during "Behind the Seams: TV Costume Design Unveiled" for day four of the 12th SCAD TVfest on February 10, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SCAD)
2024 SCAD TVfest honorees:
Matt Bomer (Fellow Travelers), THR Trailblazer Award
Joel Kim Booster (Loot), Rising Star Award
Kelsey Grammer (Frasier), Legend of Television Award
George Lopez (Lopez vs. Lopez), Lifetime Achievement Award
Sonequa Martin-Green (Star Trek: Discovery), Spotlight Award
Charlotte Stoudt (The Morning Show), Variety Showrunner Award
Josie Totah (The Buccaneers), Rising Star Award
Ken Watanabe (Tokyo Vice), Virtuoso Award
