In a recent interview, acclaimed actor Jude Law reminisced about his fond memories of San Francisco, particularly his experiences with fellow actor Ethan Hawke during their time filming the sci-fi classic “Gattaca” back in 1997. He described San Francisco as a beautiful part of the world.

Reflecting on his first visit to the city, Jude shared that it was for the movie, where he partnered with Hawke. “We always had a great time,” Jude recalled. “I remember wandering around the city with Ethan looking for bookstores. We both have a passion for literature and music.”

During his appearance at the closing day of the Mill Valley Film Festival, he added, “We also love grabbing a drink here.”

Now 51, Jude returned to the Bay Area to be honored at the 47th Mill Valley Film Festival. He participated in a Q&A session at the Smith Rafael Film Center, moderated by festival program director Zoë Elton. Festival founder and executive director Mark Fishkin later presented him with the prestigious Mill Valley Film Festival Award.

“Gattaca,” directed by Andrew Niccol, has long been regarded as a classic, with parts of it filmed at Marin County Civic Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Jude reflected on how “Gattaca” marked a turning point in his career. When production moved from Los Angeles to the Bay Area, he and Ethan decided to drive together along the breathtaking Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco. “It was my first time along that incredible coastal road to reach the city. Just like today, the short drive from the hotel to here is still filled with beautiful sights that continue to amaze me. San Francisco truly is part of this beautiful world.”

Beyond “Gattaca,” Jude also had memorable experiences in San Francisco while filming “Contagion,” directed by Steven Soderbergh in 2011, where he portrayed a journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle. He recalled shooting scenes in and around the Chronicle’s offices located near Fifth Street and Mission. “I still remember sneaking into the newsroom on a Sunday morning, sitting at the most cluttered desk I could find to film,” he said with a smile.