Raevue receives premium press pass to 2026 SBIFF

Sunday, February 8, 2026

The Virtuosos Award, which recognizes a select group of talent whose noteworthy performances in films this season has propelled them into the forefront of national cinematic conversation, was awarded to Academy Award nominee Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another), Academy Award nominee Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), Academy Award nominee Amy Madigan (Weapons), Academy Award nominee Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), Academy Award nominee Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent), Sydney Sweeney (Christy), and Academy Award nominee Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another).

The panelists in the International Directors Panel included Academy Award-nominated filmmakers who shared their perspectives on the diverse themes of their respective films and the state of global cinema. Participating panelists included Kaouther Ben Hania (The Voice of Hind Rajab), Oliver Laxe (Sirat), Kleber Mendonça Filho (The Secret Agent), Jafar Panahi (It Was Just an Accident), and Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value). The panel was moderated by Santa Barbara International Film Festival Executive Director Roger Durling.

The Producers Panel brought together and celebrated the Academy Award nominated film producers. The panel featured Ronald Bronstein (Marty Supreme), Jerry Bruckheimer (F1), J. Miles Dale (Frankenstein), Maria Ekerhovd (Sentimental Value), Nicolas Gonda (Hamnet), Ed Guiney (Bugonia), Emilie Lesclaux (The Secret Agent), Marissa McMahon (Train Dreams), Sara Murphy (One Battle After Another) and Sev Ohanian (Sinners). Highlights discussed the ups and downs of producing; adjusting to unseen circumstances such as COVID-19, the actors' strike, and filmmaking location adjustments; and the importance of impactful storytelling and cinema. The conversation was moderated by Nicole Sperling from The New York Times.

Honoree Wagner Moura speaks onstage at the Virtuosos Award ceremony during the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Arlington Theatre on February 08, 2026 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF)

(L-R) Oliver Laxe, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Kaouther Ben Hania, Jafar Panahi and Joachim Trier attend the International Panel during the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Arlington Theatre on February 08, 2026 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for SBIFF)

(L-R) Nicole Sperling, Ronald Bronstein, Jerry Bruckheimer, J. Miles Dale, Maria Ekerhovd, Nicolas Gonda, Ed Guiney, Emilie Lesclaux, Marissa McMahon, Sara Murphy and Sev Ohanian speak onstage at the Producers Panel during the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Arlington Theatre on February 08, 2026 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF).

Saturday, February 7, 2026

The Variety Artisans Awards celebrates professionals essential to the filmmaking process, honored Alexandre Desplat (Frankenstein), EJAE (Kpop Demon Hunters), Jack Fisk (Marty Supreme), Kate Hawley (Frankenstein), Mike Hill (Frankenstein), Andy Jurgensen (One Battle After Another), Al Nelson (F1), Adolpho Veloso (Train Dreams), Eric Saindon (Avatar: Fire and Ash) and Chris Welcker (Sinners).

The Women's Panel included Miyako Bellizzi (costume designer, Marty Supreme), Laia Casanovas (sound team, Sirat), Yvett Merino (producer, Zootopia 2), Natalie Musteata (director, Two People Exchanging Saliva), Alisa Payne (producer, The Perfect Neighbor) and Ashley Schlaifer (producer, Train Dreams). The panel was moderated by Madelyn Hammond.

The Casting Directors Panel hosted Francine Maisler (Sinners), Gabriel Domingues (The Secret Agent), Nina Gold (Hamnet), Jennifer Venditti (Marty Supreme) and Cassandra Kulukundis (One Battle After Another). The panel was moderated by Debra Birnbaum.

(Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)

(L-R) Madelyn Hammond, Miyako Bellizzi, Laia Casanovas, Yvett Merino, Natalie Musteata, Alisa Payne and Ashley Schlaifer speak onstage at the SBIFF Women's Panel during the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Arlington Theatre on February 07, 2026 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF)

(L-R) Debra Birnbaum, Gabriel Domingues, Nina Gold, Cassandra Kulukundis, Francine Maisler and Jennifer Venditti attend the Casting Directors Panel durning the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Arlington Theatre on February 07, 2026 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for SBIFF)

Friday, February 6, 2026

Ethan Hawke received the American Riviera Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). This award honors exceptional accomplishments in American film. Jeff Bridges, an Academy Award and Golden Globe winner, presented the award to Hawke.

Dave Karger hosted a discussion on Ethan Hawke's extensive acting career spanning four decades. They highlighted Hawke's acclaimed performances in films like Explorers, Dead Poets Society, Reality Bites, Gattaca, and Training Day. The conversation included his roles in the Before trilogy, Before Sunset and Before Devil Knows You're Dead. They also covered Hawke's work in Boyhood, First Reformed, and Blue Moon. The talk celebrated Hawke’s versatility and achievements on both screen and stage.

(Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)

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Thursday, February 5, 2026

Actor Adam Sandler received the annual Maltin Modern Master Award from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). Dustin Hoffman, an actor and filmmaker, gave the award, which honors a person who has contributed to our culture via achievements in the film business. The audience was entirely sold out for the event.

Oscar-winning actress Jane Fonda, co-star Connie Britton, director Katie Camosy, and film subjects Diane Wilson and Jenny Espino were among the people who attended the red carpet for the film.

(Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival; Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for SBIFF)

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Wednesday, February 4, 2026

The international premiere of A Mosquito in the Ear took place after Santa Barbara International Film Festival Executive Director Roger Durling gave the opening comments. Actor Jake Lacy, actress Nazanin Boniadi, writer/producers Emily Dillard and Darren Dean, and producer Ali K. Rizvi joined director Nicola Rinciari on stage for the opening ceremony.

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Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Raevue receives premium press pass to SBIFF

Raevue was approved today for a premium press pass to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which grants access to nightly red carpets prior to tributes/honors at the Arlington Theater. In addition, Raevue has priority admission for all films, including events.

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10:00 PM PST