The award will be presented on September 29 at the Night of the Stars Tribute at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla, California, reports variety.com.
SDIFF, which is in its 15th year now, will run from September 28 to October 2.
The Cinema Vanguard Award honours an actor "who has the tenacity to forge new ground within their craft", according to the announcement by festival organisers.
"Beckinsale is an immensely gifted actress who has proven to be one of the industry's most versatile and charismatic performers," the statement from the organisers further read.
Each year, SDIFF screens a diverse slate of movies ranging from narrative to documentaries to shorts.
Beckinsale has appeared in films like "Underworld", "The Aviator", "Contraband", "Total Recall" and "Love & Friendship".
