'The Book Thief,' 'Nebraska' Kick Off 36th Mill Valley Film Festival

A pair of films that hope to use the 36th Mill Valley Film Festival as a tried-and-true platform for Academy Award success took center stage on the opening night of the festival Thursday night, with stars from each film appearing at a series of events to kick off the 11-day event.

The screenings were followed by a opening night party that took over a huge portion of Town Center Corte Madera, which last hosted MVFF's opening night gala in 1986, one year after the mall, built in 1958, underwent a massive renovation.

Stars from both opening night films were in attendance. The Book Thief stars Geoffrey Rush and Sophie Nelisse, along with director Brian Percival, were there, as were Bruce Dern and Will Forte, stars of Alexander Payne's new film, Nebraska.

The event featured food from a host of Town Center eateries, including Il Fornaio, Teacake and the Counter, as well as Mill Valley spots like Cantina and Balboa Cafe and San Rafael's Big Jim's BBQ, Champagne Bakery, Judy’s Breadsticks, KIND and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

The Mill Valley Film Festival is set for Oct. 3-13 in theaters throughout Marin. Check out Patch's MVFF36 coverage at the links below and stay tuned for more.

• Ben Stiller, Sean Penn, Geoffrey Rush, Steve McQueen and Chiwetel Ejiofor Headline Star-Studded 36th Mill Valley Film Festival
• 'Return of the Jedi' to Screen at MVFF Event in Corte Madera
• Watch the Trailer for the 36th Mill Valley Film Festival
• 'In the Cobbler's Shoes' Doc Takes Intimate Look at Inimitable Misak, Makes Debut at MVFF36
• Thomas Dolby to Unveil 'Invisible Lighthouse' Transmedia Show at MVFF36