The longtime tradition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival returned to the Arlington Theater for its 40th year this month. For eleven days, Santa Barbara was visited by a variety of oscar contenders and the industry’s best, including Timothee Chalamet, Angelina Jolie, Ariana Grande, and many more. This package includes exclusive coverage from DPMedia students who had the opportunity to speak to the award winners on the red carpet.

Today, SBIFF is a world-renowned film festival and one of the leading festivals in the United States. Paying tribute to over 200 films every year, the festival has attracted over 100,000 attendees, including award-winning filmmakers, actors, students, and devoted moviegoers. The festival holds a variety of events, including film screenings, celebrity tributes, panel discussions, and after-parties.

In the early 1900s Santa Barbara was a filmmaking center rivaled only by Hollywood. It was home to the first major movie studio in California, “Flying A” studios, or the American Film Manufacturing Co., founded in 1912. The studio produced nearly a thousand films, and since then Santa Barbara has been the filming location for some of the country’s most popular movies and television shows.

More recently, SBIFF secured a long-term lease for the iconic multi-plex at 916 State Street in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. This landmark acquisition paves the way for the creation of a state-of-the-art Film Center — “a vibrant, year-round destination that will serve as a central hub for cinema enthusiasts and the heart of SBIFF’s renowned Film Festival.”

The award recipients this year include Angelina Jolie for the Maltin Modern Master Award, Zoe Saldana for the American Riviera Award, Ralph Fiennes for the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award, Colman Domingo for the Montecito Award, Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce for the Cinema Vanguard Award, and Timothee Chalamet for the Arlington Award.

Read more about the award events and the film festival in the article collection below.

Opening Night Film: “Jane Austen Wrecked my Life”

Outstanding Performer of the Year Award: Ralph Fiennes

“Ralph Fiennes is one of the most gifted actors working in both cinema and theatre and has bequeathed to us so many memorable and extraordinary performances. He outdoes himself in “Conclave,” bestowing upon us what maybe the best work in his already legendary career,” noted SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling.

The Outstanding Performer of the Year Award recognizes select individuals who have distinguished themselves with exceptional performances in film.

Maltin Modern Master Award: Angelina Jolie

“Angelina Jolie makes bold choices, both as an actress and as a director. She sets the bar high in both disciplines and always comes through. I look forward to reviewing her career
with her in Santa Barbara!” remarked Leonard Maltin.

Created to honor an individual who has enriched our culture through accomplishments in the motion picture industry, the award was named in honor of longtime SBIFF moderator and
renowned film critic Leonard Maltin.

Variety Artisians Award

The Artisans Award honors those who have exhibited the
most exciting and innovative work of the year in their
respective fields.

Judy Becker – “The Brutalist”: Production Design
Kris Bowers – “The Wild Robot”: Original Score
Clement Ducol and Camille – “Emilia Perez”: Original Song
Nick Emerson – “Conclave”: Editing
Jomo Fray – “Nickel Boys”: Cinematography
Tod Maitland – “A Complete Unkown”: Sound
Pierre-Olivier Persin – “The Substance”: Hair/Makeup
Paul Tazewell – “Wicked”: Costume Design
Erik Winquist – “Kindom of the Planet of the Apes”: VFX

Outstanding Directors of the Year Award

The recipients of this award are the year’s top directors who have pushed the boundaries in their storytelling and created films that showcase the art of filmmaking at its best.

Honorees are:
Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”)
Coralie Fargeat (“The Subtance” )
Jacques Audiard (“Emilia Prez”)
James Mangold (“A Complete Unknown”)
Sean Baker (“Anora”)

Virtuosos Award

The Virtuosos Award is an honor created to recognize a select group of talent whose noteworthy performances in film have elevated them in the national cinematic dialogue.

Honorees are:

Monica Barbaro (“A Complete Unknown”), Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”), Harris Dickinson (“Babygirl”), Karla Sofía Gascón (“Emilia Pérez” ), Selena Gomez (“Emilia Pérez”), Ariana Grande (“Wicked”), Clarence Maclin (“Sing Sing”), Mikey Madison (“Anora”), John Magaro (“September 5”), Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”), Fernanda Torres (“I’m Still Here)

Arlington Artist of the Year Award: Timothee Chalamet

American Riviera Award: Zoe Saldana

“Zoe Saldaña has a fantastic filmography worth celebrating any year, but her commanding and stouthearted performance in “Emilia Pérez” makes our tribute to her imperative,”
remarked SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling.

The American Riviera Award was established to recognize actors who have made a significant contribution to American cinema.

Montecito Award: Colman Domingo

“Colman is such a committed performer and one of the most extraordinary talents on the small screen, in theatre, and in film, and he makes it all seem effortless. His work in
“Sing Sing” is unforgettable,” remarked SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling.

The Montecito Award, named after one of the most beautiful and stylish areas in Santa Barbara, recognizes an individual who gave the performance of their career in film this past
year.

Cinema Vanguard Award: Adrien Brody & Guy Pearce

“Both Adrien and Guy have had lengthy, rewarding, and uncompromising careers, and in this year’s “The Brutalist”, they each give us their best work to date,” remarked SBIFF’s
Executive Director Roger Durling. The Cinema Vanguard Award recognizes actors who have
forged their own path, taking artistic risks and making a significant and unique contribution to film.