The TCM Classic Film Festival kicks off on April 13 across several Hollywood Boulevard venues. (photo courtesy of Turner Classic Movies)

Turner Classic Movies will host its 14th annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood from April 13-16, with a host of screenings and panels set for the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Chinese Multiplex, the Hollywood Legion Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt. The event routinely attracts some of the biggest stars in movie history, and the 2023 edition is no exception, with the 1959 classic “Rio Bravo” opening the festival with star Angie Dickinson and directors/fans Paul Thomas Anderson and Steven Spielberg speaking, as well.

“I’ve interviewed more people than I can count – that’s not true, I can count very high – but I have yet to enjoy anyone more than Angie Dickinson,” TCM host Ben Mankiewicz said. “She’s a rich blend of authenticity and emotional honesty, mixed with a sharp, quick sense of humor and a degree of danger that always keeps me – and the audience – on our toes. It’s an understatement to say Angie’s presence in a movie makes it a better film. Angie’s presence in the world makes this a better place.”

More than 80 films will be screened in the four-day retrospective. The content crosses decades and genres, with modern classics like “Ocean’s Eleven” (2001), which will be introduced by director Steven Soderbergh and star George Clooney, and nearly-100-year-old films like “Clash of the Wolves,” a Rin Tin Tin silent feature that will be presented with live musical accompaniment. Rin Tin Tin is considered to be the first movie star from Warner Bros. Studios, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

But that’s not all. Academy Award-nominated actress Ann-Margret will appear alongside the movie that made her a star, “Bye Bye Birdie” (1963), for a special 60th anniversary event. Academy Award-winner Shirley Jones will introduce “The Music Man” (1962). Russ Tamblyn will introduce the movie that brought him an Oscar nomination, “Peyton Place” (1957), as well as the movie that gave him six siblings in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” (1954).

Poolside screenings at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel will include “Beach Party” (1963) with Frankie Avalon on hand for a Q&A session. Stars Richard Dreyfuss and Candy Clark will reunite for a 50th anniversary showing of “American Graffiti” (1973). William Friedkin will showcase his horror landmark “The Exorcist” (1973). Brian Henson will talk about puppetry at a special panel, as well as introduce “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984).

A “The Big Chill” reunion will close the festival, with director Lawrence Kasdan and stars Tom Berenger, JoBeth Williams and Barbara Benedek.

Ed Begley Jr., Mario Cantone, Rebecca De Mornay, Dana Delany, Kate Flannery, Louis Gossett Jr., Amy Irving, Ricki Lake, Lenoard Maltin, Michael McKean, Annette O’Toole and George Stevens Jr. are among the guests slated for the weekend.

“I am over the top excited,” Los Angeles resident and TCM fan Ruth Mundsack said. “This is better than all the holidays put together.”

Movie fans from around the world come together each year in Hollywood for the event, with TCM’s large fanbase active in social media groups and the Twitter hashtag #TCMParty.

“I have been a classic film fan since before I can remember,” said Theresa Brown, who flies in for the festival every year from New York City. “The Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival is really the only place to be if you love classic films.”