Meg Ryan, Olivia Wilde, Elizabeth Olsen among expected guests at 2015 Savannah Film Festival

Four of the 2015 Savannah Film Festival's special guests clockwise from top left:
Meg Ryan, Elizabeth Olsen, Saoirse Ronan, Olivia Wilde.

As the Savannah Film Festival gets closer to turning 20-years-old (this year will be the 18th festival), it is pivoting itself as an important stop on the national festival circuit in terms of programming but also as a continually celebrity-friendly festival. Just in the last few years, I've enjoyed attending alongside stars like Diane Lane, Jeremy Irons, John Goodman, Jane Seymour, Alec Baldwin, Matt Bomer, Gena Rowlands, Lily Tomlin and Miles Teller.

This year, honored guests include Meg Ryan, Olivia Wilde and Alfie Allen. Elizabeth Olsen, Saoirse Ronan, Riley Keough and Tab Hunter are also expected to attend.

Meg Ryan is this year's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Ryan's directorial debut, "Ithaca," will screen during the festival. Ryan stars in the film alongside frequent collaborator Tom Hanks. Her most popular credits include "When Harry Met Sally," "Top Gun," "Sleepless in Seattle," "Courage Under Fire" and "You've Got Mail."

Receiving the Spotlight Award this year is Olivia Wilde, best known for her role in TV's "House" and films like "Drinking Buddies," "Her" and "Rush." Also a producer and director, Wilde brings "Meadowland" to the festival this year. Directed by Reed Morano (who will also be in attendance), "Meadowland" sees Wilde in both acting and producing roles.

Alfie Allen from TV's "Game of Thrones" will receive this year's Rising Star Award. After extensive roles in British television and theater, Allen became a familiar face with high-profile international films like "Atonement" and "John Wick." Allen's "Game of Thrones" character, Theon Greyjoy, has been a series regular since the first season. Last year's Rising Star recipients were Asa Butterfield and Analeigh Tipton.

Actresses Saoirse Ronan, Elizabeth Olsen and Riley Keough are also scheduled to attend and participate in the festival's Conversations Series. Former teen star Tab Hunter, now in his 80s, will also attend a screening of documentary "Tab Hunter Confidential." Plenty of filmmaker talent will also be in attendance, such as director Sarah Gavron and producer Alison Owen for opening night film "Suffragette."

Stay tuned for more 2015 Savannah Film Festival coverage, including our 'What to See' list!