Posted: Thurs., Jun. 21, 2007, 5:45pm PT

Faces to see at the L.A. Film Festival

From Eastwood to Williams

"L.A. Confidential" helmer Curtis Hanson serves as LAFF's guest director this year. He will present two films that have inspired his work: John Ford's "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" and Samuel Fuller's "The Naked Kiss." He'll do a Q&A following the former pic tonight at the Hammer Museum's Billy Wilder Theater.

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Musician and Grammy-winning producer Pharrell Williams is the fest's artist in residence. He'll be showing Harold Ramis' "National Lampoon's Vacation" and Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." And Elvis Mitchell sits down for a chat with Williams on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Hammer Museum.

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Clint Eastwood will collect another statue to add to his buckling mantel. He will receive the festival's Spirit of Independence Award on June 28. Tony Bennett will present the kudo, which recognizes "commitment to artistic independence in film," at a private event at the Hammer.

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With 81 years of acting under his belt, Mickey Rooney must be the most veteran of the industry vets featured in chats and panels during the festival. Fresh off hit "Night at the Museum," he'll dish on Hollywood in his "Been There, Done That" conversation June 29 at 7 p.m. at the Hammer.


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