Alexander Payne's "Nebraska" to open Savannah Film Festival

Bruce Dern and Will Forte star in "Nebraska"

The 16th annual Savannah Film Festival has announced Alexander Payne's "Nebraska" as its opening night selection on October 26th with both Payne and lead actor Bruce Dern scheduled to attend. The film premiered earlier this year at Cannes, where Dern took home the award for Best Actor and the film was in contention for the Palme d'Or. Dern, who was honored by the Savannah Film Festival in 2006, will present Payne with an Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Award on behalf of the festival.

Since its spring unveiling, "Nebraska" has garnered plenty of awards buzz—particularly for former Oscar nominee Dern. Following a father and son (Dern and "Saturday Night Live" alum Will Forte) as they travel from Montana to Nebraska to claim prize money, the two encounter many friends, family members and creditors along the way. The black and white film also stars June Squibb, Stacey Keach and Bob Odenkirk.

The Savannah Film Festival marks only the second American date for the film, after its New York Film Festival bow later this month. The film will be released in cinemas on November 22nd.