Dern and Arnett plan to attend a screening on Dec. 17 at the Premier Theater at One Letterman, where they are expected to participate in a post-film discussion.
Tickets go on sale to SFFilm members ($30) at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, before opening up to the general public ($35) at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at www.sffilm.org.
“‘Is This Thing On?’ represents the kind of fresh, distinctive filmmaking that SF Honors celebrates,” SFFilm Board President Todd Traina said in a statement. “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. I’m excited to bring this type of exceptional cinema to San Francisco audiences.”
The film is Bradley’s third as director after “A Star Is Born” (2018) and “Maestro” (2023), which earned a combined 15 Academy Award nominations. He was the lead actor in the first two but takes a supporting role in “Is This Thing On?” as the best friend of Arnett’s character, who turns to stand-up comedy to process his changing life.
Meanwhile, Dern’s character confronts the sacrifices she made for their family while trying to figure out how to co-parent two boys.
“Both Will Arnett and Laura Dern give career best performances,” SFFilm Director of Programming Jessie 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.”
Previous films that won the SF Honors Award include “La La Land” (2016), best picture Oscar-winner “CODA” (2021) and Steve McQueen’s “Blitz” (2024).
“Is This Thing On?” will be released in theaters on Dec. 19.