By Rebecca Brando x The Big Magazine
Actor Ralph Fiennes was honored with the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award for his acclaimed performance as Cardinal Lawrence in Conclave at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Thursday evening.
Fiennes received a standing ovation as he took to the stage at the Arlington Theatre. He was joined a star-studded lineup of actors who have received the honor in previous years, including Bradley Cooper, Adam Driver, Margot Robbie, Jennifer Lawrence, and Heath Ledger.
After winning audience and jury awards throughout the film’s fall festival run, the film had a strong run in U.S. theaters and continued to win over movie-goers.
“Ralph Fiennes is one of the most gifted actors working in both cinema and theatre and has bequeathed us with so many memorable and extraordinary performances. He outdoes himself in “Conclave” - bestowing us with what may be the best work in his already legendary career” noted SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling.
Fiennes has been the recipient of many significant awards and nominations for his work on film and in the theatre. He was nominated for Academy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTAs for his roles in both The English Patient and Schindler’s List, winning the BAFTA for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for the latter. He was also nominated for BAFTAs for The End of the Affair and The Constant Gardener. He was nominated for the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for Coriolanus. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe and a BAFTA for his leading role in The Grand Budapest Hotel. Fiennes has also been honored with the Variety Award for Film Achievement, The Richard Harris Award by the British Independent Film Awards and The Empire Film Legend Award.
Actor Colman Domingo will receive the Montecito Award on Friday, February 14. The evening will highlight his powerhouse performance in Greg Kwedar’s SING SING where Domingo’s portrayal of Divine G brings an incredible mix of vulnerability, charisma, and resilience to the big screen. This recognition follows Domingo's win at the Gotham Awards, where he took home the honor for Outstanding Lead Performance.
Over the past 39 years, The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) has become one of the top 10 film festivals in the United States dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema.
The Montecito Award is named after one of the most beautiful and stylish areas in Santa Barbara. Past recipients include Jeffrey Wright, Angela Bassett, Penélope Cruz, Amanda Seyfried, Lupita Nyong’o, Melissa McCarthy, Saoirse Ronan, Isabelle Huppert, Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, Daniel Day-Lewis, Geoffrey Rush, Julianne Moore, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, and Javier Bardem.
Sponsors of the 40th SBIFF include: Lexus, Manitou Fund, FIJI Water, DAOU Vineyards, Sonos, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Panavision, Santa Barbara City, US Bank, Yardi, Montecito Bank & Trust, Kaleidoscope Productions, Fujifilm, The Fund for Santa Barbara, ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties, National Endowment for the Arts, Black Market Spirits, American Society of Cinematographers, John C. Mithun Foundation, Audrey Hillman Fisher Foundation, The Veraison Fund, Northern Trust, Netflix, UCSB, Bentson Foundation, Volentine Family Foundation, Toad&Co, Topa Topa Brewing Company, and many more generous supporters.
The 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs from Tuesday, February 4th – Saturday February 15th, 2025, tickets here.
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