Timeless Stars: Academy Alumni at TCM Film Fest

The 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood once again proved to be a beacon for classic cinema, drawing crowds of film enthusiasts. Among the many highlights of this year's festival was a special screening of Alfred Hitchcock's 1955 film, To Catch a Thief, starring the elegant Grace Kelly (‘49).

The screening, held at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, was a testament to Kelly's lasting legacy. Despite the film being seven decades old, the theatre was filled to capacity, with eager fans lined up outside in hopes of nabbing a seat. The atmosphere was electric, a blend of nostalgia and admiration for a film–for an actress–still able to fill a Hollywood house.

Kelly's magnetic presence elevates a sophisticated screenplay by John Michael Hayes, making the performance one of her best. The sun-scorched French Riviera, filmed with reverence by Hitchcock’s lens, serves as the perfect backdrop to Kelly and co-star Cary Grant. Throughout the film, the camera lingers on her, capturing her allure through a marriage of light and shadow.

Kelly's connection to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts adds another layer to her legacy: as an alumna, her success inspires generations of talent. The festival celebrated not only Kelly's achievements but also those of other Academy alumni whose contributions have shaped the landscape of cinema.

A heartfelt tribute was paid to Spencer Tracy (‘23), whose legacy was honored with screenings of three of his most memorable films (Pat and Mike, Me and My Gal, and A Guy Named Joe). A towering figure in classic Hollywood, Tracy’s performances–whether gruff or gentle—serve as a benchmark for leading men.

Elsewhere at the festival, the presence of Lauren Bacall (‘42) was deeply felt during the screening of Misery, in which she delivered a sharp performance to underscore the film’s tension. John Cassavetes (‘50), known for pushing cinematic boundaries, was represented through his role in Edge of the City, where his performance gave the film its moral backbone.

Western fans filled the theatre for Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, where Kirk Douglas’ (‘41) fiery portrayal of Doc Holliday lit up the screen, and Lyle Bettger (‘37) added a layer of menace to the ensemble as Ike Clanton. William Powell (‘13), by contrast, brought a more measured grace to Beau Geste. His performance was a reminder of the dignity and sophistication he brought to every role—an enduring quality that Academy alumni continue to embody.

Contemporary highlights weren’t left out of the celebration. Heat, Michael Mann’s 1995 crime drama, brought Academy alumni Dennis Haysbert (‘77) , William Fichtner (‘80), and Hank Azaria (ST) to the big screen. Their performances added dimension to the film’s sprawling narrative and were met with warm recognition by festivalgoers. In a lighter moment, the effortlessly charming Paul Rudd (‘91) delighted audiences in Clueless.

A return to Hollywood’s Golden Age came with the screening of Sunset Boulevard. Fred Clark (‘38) played Sheldrake, and the legendary Cecil B. DeMille (‘00) played himself, offering a dose of real-life gravitas to a film exploring the sting of silence after the applause has ended.

Character actors like Jim Backus (‘33) and M. Emmet Walsh (‘61) added texture to the festival’s lineup. Backus, best remembered as the voice of Mr. Magoo, brought slick sports schemer Charles Barry to life in Pat and Mike. Walsh, with gravely authority, made a lasting impression as Captain Bryant in Blade Runner, embodying the moral murk of the film’s dystopian world.

Throughout the weekend, film after film featured the work of Academy-trained actors. The TCM Classic Film Festival, in honoring their work, served as a living archive of the Academy’s impact, reminding us once again of our deep roots in the entertainment industry.

As the curtain fell on the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival, the legacy of the Greats remained. From Grace Kelly’s poise to Spencer Tracy’s stoic strength, the presence of American Academy of Dramatic Arts alumni was not just felt—it was celebrated. These performers, immortalized on film, continue to shape the way we experience cinema. In the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood, the festival reaffirmed that timeless artistry never fades.