Santa Barbara International Film Festival: What Happened and What’s Coming
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is off to a great start with recognitions, film screenings, and tributes, and there’s still more to come.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs from February 4 to 15. Several big names will be recognized while films are shown throughout the event.
About the Santa Barbara International Film Festival
The SBIFF is a non-profit organization focusing on the arts and educational programs, aiming “to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.”
The organization created several initiatives that are aimed at introducing film to children, as well as teaching both filmmaking and screenwriting.
The festival’s opening night was headlined with a screening of Jane Austen Wrecked My Life at the Arlington Theatre, while the closing night featured A Missing Part.
Premiere of Horizon: Chapter 2
A few days after the festival began, Kevin Costner premiered Horizon: Chapter 2, which he followed with a Q&A.
“I’m a romantic about what we can be and what we are,” Costner stated while wrapping up the night. “I would also like to just say to you as we end the night, thank you for honoring the film and filling this theater.”
Recognitions
Throughout the festival, several actors, actresses, and directors will be honored for their respective contributions to the world of film.
Maltin Modern Master Award
The Maltin Modern Master Award was presented to Angelina Jolie on February 5. It highlights someone who has significantly enhanced culture through their success within the film industry.
The award was named after a longtime film critic and moderator of the festival, Leonard Maltin.
Angelina Jolie honored with the 'Maltin Modern Master Award' at the 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara, California, USA. #AngelinaJolie #SBIFF2025 pic.twitter.com/DwYW43p1aq
— MaximoTV (@MaximoTV) February 6, 2025
Outstanding Performer of the Year
Ralph Fiennes was honored with the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award the following day. It’s given to someone whose film performances set them apart.
The U.S. Premiere of Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” Friday featured an appearance by Costner (a Montecito resident) and many of those involved in the film. It was part of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
— John Palminteri (@JohnPalminteri) February 10, 2025
(Photo: SBIFF) pic.twitter.com/DHjGXuqTaZ
The Variety Artisans Award
The Variety Artisans Award was presented to several people in the industry for their unique, exhilarating work in their fields.
The winners were Judy Becker (The Brutalist), Kris Bowers (The Wild Robot), Clement Ducol and Camille (Emilia Pérez), Nick Emerson (Conclave), Jomo Fray (Nickel Boys), Tod Maitland (A Complete Unknown), Pierre-Olivier Persin (The Substance), Paul Tazewell (Wicked), and Erik Winquist (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes).
The Virtuosos Award
The Virtuosos Award highlighted actors and actresses whose performances stood out among others in international film.
The honorees included: Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), Harris Dickinson (Babygirl), Karla Sofía Gascón and Selena Gomez (Emilia Pérez), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Clarence Maclin (Sing Sing), Mikey Madison (Anora), John Magaro (September 5), Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice), and Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here).
Fernanda Torres recreating the ‘toss toss’ in front of Ariana Grande is giving me LIFE pic.twitter.com/oHzwInaCaA
— Brian Rowe (@mrbrianrowe) February 10, 2025
Upcoming Awards
Brady Corbet (The Brutalist), Coralie Fargeat (The Substance), Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez), James Mangold (A Complete Unknown), and Sean Baker (Anora) are being presented with the Outstanding Directors Award.
The award recognizes those who have tested industry limits to make films that capture the real art behind filmmaking.
Over the next few days, the festival will see numerous actors honored for their work this past year.
Timothée Chalamet will earn the Arlington Artist of the Year Award on February 11, and Zoe Saldaña will receive the American Riviera Award on February 12. Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce will earn the Cinema Vanguard Award on February 13, while the Montecito Award will be given to Colman Domingo on February 14.
A program guide, full schedule, and a link to purchase passes can all be found here.
