SFFILM has named Bradley Cooper’s Is This Thing On? as the recipient of the 2025 SF Honors Award, the organization announced today. The recognition will be accompanied by a special public screening and onstage conversation on December 17 at the Premier Theater at One Letterman.Emmy-nominated actor Will Arnett and Academy Award–winning actor Laura Dern will attend the event in person, participating in both the award presentation and a post-screening conversation.
The event will include a pre-screening award presentation followed by a moderated discussion with the actors, offering audiences an early look at one of the season’s most anticipated releases. A Film Celebrated for Emotional Depth
Co-written and directed by Cooper, Is This Thing On? follows the unravelling of a long marriage, capturing the complexities of co-parenting, shifting identity, and the search for renewed purpose. Arnett plays Alex, a middle-aged father who turns to the New York comedy scene amid the breakdown of his relationship, while Dern portrays Tess, a woman confronting the compromises she made for her family and her own evolving sense of self.
In addition to Arnett and Dern, the film features performances from Academy Award nominees Andra Day and Ciarán Hinds, two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole, and Cooper himself. The screenplay was written by Cooper, Arnett, and Mark Chappell, from a story by Arnett, Chappell, and John Bishop. Cooper, Arnett, Weston Middleton, and Kris Thykier serve as producers.
Industry Recognition and SFFILM Praise
SFFILM Board President Todd Traina described the film as emblematic of what the SF Honors program seeks to spotlight.
“Is This Thing On? represents the kind of fresh, distinctive filmmaking that SF Honors celebrates,” Traina said. “Bradley Cooper’s unique vision and style, and the stellar acting by the skilled cast, all lend itself to the special magic of this film.”
Jessie Fairbanks, SFFILM’s Director of Programming, added that the film’s inclusion aligns with the program’s track record of featuring projects that later earn major accolades.
“Both Will Arnett and Laura Dern give career-best performances,” Fairbanks said. “The film joins an auspicious group of SF Honors recipients, all of whom have gone on to garner Academy Award nominations and wins.”
Ticketing and Event Details
SFFILM Members will have early access to tickets beginning Tuesday, November 18 at 10 a.m., with sales opening to the general public on Wednesday, November 19 at the same time.
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General Admission: $35
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Members: $30
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Senior, Student, and ADA: $32
Tickets can be purchased through sffilm.org.
The event will be held at the Premier Theater at One Letterman, located in the Presidio. The venue is reachable via Muni Line 43 and the Presidio GO Shuttle, with both street parking and $6/hour underground parking available. Guests are advised to navigate to the Yoda Fountain for the most direct guidance to the theater.
Accessibility and Community Support
The Premier Theater is fully accessible, and SFFILM will provide closed captioning, audio description, and assisted listening devices upon request. ASL interpretation may be arranged with at least one week’s notice. Additional accessibility information is available at sffilm.org/accessibility or by emailing ad*@****lm.org.
SF Honors is supported by SFFILM Board President Todd Traina and philanthropist Diane B. Wilsey, with year-round institutional programming also funded by the organization’s Board of Directors. Searchlight Pictures serves as a program partner for this year’s event.
About SF Honors
Launched in 2016 with a presentation of La La Land, SF Honors has become a hallmark program recognizing cinematic achievements from filmmakers including Joe Wright, Siân Heder, Guillermo del Toro, Azazel Jacobs, and Steve McQueen. Many recipients have gone on to receive major awards recognition.
About SFFILM
Founded in 1957, SFFILM is the Bay Area’s premier film institution, known for its festivals, year-round screenings, youth education programs, and its Artist Development initiative supporting independent filmmakers. Its mission centers on fostering a vibrant film culture and connecting audiences with innovative storytelling from around the world.
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