SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Academy Award-winning production designer Hannah Beachler will be honored with Variety’s inaugural Creative Impact in Production Design Award at the 2025 SCAD Savannah Film Festival. The award is in recognition of her work on the hit film “Sinners.”

Beachler made history when she became the first African American to take home a trophy in the production design category for her work on “Black Panther.” She has been Ryan Coogler’s go-to, also working with the director on “Fruitvale Station”, “Creed” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

“SCAD is delighted to partner again with Variety to present the Creative Impact Award to the extraordinary production designer Hannah Beachler,” said Christina Routhier, senior executive director of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival. “Her work on “Sinners” — from the haunting juke joint to the textures of the Mississippi Delta — roots the film in authenticity while elevating the story into something otherworldly. The choices she made demonstrate the power of production design to shape narrative and deepen the cinematic experience. For our SCAD students in production design and film and television, her artistry is an inspiring example of bold, innovative world-building, and we are thrilled to celebrate her contributions to moviemaking.”

“Hannah’s work is extraordinary. On behalf of Variety, I am thrilled to partner with the team at the SCAD Savannah Film Festival to recognize her work,” said Variety senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay. “The Creative Impact Award celebrates someone who has made an impact in their field, and Hannah’s work has done just that. From building Wakanda to the Mississippi Delta in “Sinners,” hearing her talk about her process and research is going to be such a gift for the students at SCAD. Hannah’s insight into her process will be a masterclass and will be an exciting morning.” Tangcay continued: “This is the first time we have awarded the Creative Impact in Production Design Award. What better place to do it than in Savannah, and to present it to Hannah and celebrate her incredible career.”

Beachler will receive this award on Oct. 28. Variety’s 10 Artisans to Watch panel moderated by Tangcay will take place on Oct. 28.

SCAD Savannah Film Festival will run from Oct. 25 through Nov.1. Festival passes for 2025 are available now. Individual event tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 3.

As previously announced, Jon M. Chu will receive the Vanguard Director Award and Jennifer Lopez will receive the Virtuoso Award. Variety’s chief awards editor Clayton Davis will also be returning to host the “Pixels and Pencils: Top Animated Contenders” panel.