The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) will return to the star-studded shores of Coronado, California, Wednesday, Nov. 4 through Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. The event will feature five days of narrative features, documentaries, short films, and Oscar-contending titles on an island just over the bridge from San Diego. Alongside the screenings, CIFF will hold panels, filmmaker Q&As, and various parties across a revue of Coronado’s best locations. CIFF’s renowned ShortsFest Exhibition regularly hosts BAFTA- and Oscar-nominated shorts, while the main slate has previously featured award-winning films like “Sentimental Value,” “Dead Man’s Wire,” “Train Dreams,” “A Real Pain,” “Flow,” “Sing Sing,” “CODA,” “Nomadland,” and “Roma,” among others. A highlight of the festival remains the Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Awards, which will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. Held in the classic Crown Room at the Hotel del Coronado and hosted by celebrated film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, the Tribute Awards highlight icons and visionaries whose careers have shaped the filmmaking industry. Honorees span the full craft, from actors and directors to screenwriters, costume designers, music editors, and stunt professionals who traditionally work outside the spotlight. Last year, two honorees (Delroy Lindo and Deborah L. Scott) went on to receive Academy Award nominations. Additional past awardees include Alexandre Desplat, Andy Garcia, Beau Bridges, Chloé Zhao, Cloris Leachman, Diane Ladd, Diane Warren, Geena Davis, Kris Bowers, Richard Dreyfuss, and more. Since its first festival in 2016, CIFF has become a destination for filmmakers and cinephiles alike, blending laid-back Southern California charm with sophisticated, awards-season programming. Events are presented across beautiful venues throughout the island, including the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a longtime Hollywood favorite and the festival’s presenting sponsor, with screenings at the Village Theater in downtown Coronado. With its intimate atmosphere and strong industry ties, CIFF offers a unique opportunity to celebrate storytelling, connect with creators, and experience cinema at its most meaningful. Festival passes for CIFF 2026 are available now. For tickets, programming updates, and more, visit coronadofilmfest.com. Follow CIFF on Instagram (@coronadofilmfestival), Facebook (@CoronadoIslandFilmFest), and X (@coronadofilm).
