Sherine John / Daily Nexus
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival held its annual Virtuoso Award ceremony on Feb. 9, honoring this year’s eight tributes at the Arlington Theatre.
This year’s Virtuosos were Ariana Grande for “Wicked,” Clarence Maclin for “Sing Sing,” Fernanda Torres for “I’m Still Here,” John Magaro for “September 5,” Mikey Madison for “Anora,” Monica Barbaro for “A Complete Unknown,” Sebastian Stan for “The Apprentice,” and Selena Gomez for “Emilia Pérez.”
Hordes of fans lined up at the barricade in front of the theater in anticipation for the tributes to arrive. Grande was the first one to arrive and the moment she stepped out of her car, the crowd went insane. The cheers outside the theater just kept getting louder as the other tributes arrived.
After the audience took their seats, Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) Executive Director Roger Durling walked onto the stage to welcome the audience with his iconic thick, black-framed glasses and suit.
“I’m not supposed to have favorites, but tonight, it is my favorite night of the film festival,” Durling said. He then proceeded to introduce Virtuosos Award host and film journalist Dave Karger, who has been hosting the event for 15 years and running.
Karger began by highlighting each tribute and explaining the significance of receiving the Virtuoso award, and how actors could experience a “break-out role” years into their career despite already being well-known in the industry.
After Karger introduced Grande as the first Virtuoso, a short clip from “Wicked” played on the screen behind him, something done for each tribute with their respective film before their interview.
Grande proceeded to walk onto the stage in a beautiful pink ruffled ball gown, true to her character Glinda in Jon Chu’s “Wicked,” the film adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the book characters from L. Frank Braum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Thunderous applause rippled through the Arlington and several audience members shouted “I love you” as Grande sat down for her interview with Karger.
Karger first asked Grande if she had ever dreamed of receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, to which Grande replied, “[I] wouldn’t even let my mind go that far.”
Grande also touched on her excitement to share her honor with co-star Cynthia Erivo (who was nominated for Best Actress). “Not only did I get to share this with the most formidable actress and screen partner I could ever dream of,” Grande said. “But also, she’s a one of a kind friend and I am so grateful it was her and us together.”
Ariana Grande talking to event moderator Dave Karger. (Sherine John / Daily Nexus)
Grande’s dream to play Glinda has been no secret. “Wicked was the dream,” she said. Her commitment to the role and desire to stay true to her character did not go unnoticed by film critics, as proven by her nomination. Grande touched on what it meant to characterize Glinda in a way that did her justice.
“She’s full of light and it seems fluffy at times, but that comedy can’t land without being a person with a real human heart beneath the surface,” Grande explained. “So it’s about getting to know that person and finding out what her insecurities are and where that desperate need for external validation comes from.”
A major part in the success of being able to properly play Glinda was the direction of Chu throughout the filming process, Grande commented. She talked about how he provided a “safe space” for his cast to be playful with their characters and trusted them enough to film special improvised moments, like Grande’s ad-lib during the song “Popular.”
The second part of “Wicked” is set to release this year and fans eagerly wait for it following the success of the first part. Grande left the audience with a few words to describe the second installment.
“If movie one is about choices, then movie two is about consequences,” Grande said. “And new songs. And becoming truly good.” The audience gave Grande another round of applause as her interview with Karger came to an end.
“Sing Sing” actor Maclin was the next tribute to join Karger onstage. Maclin stars as himself in the film, which tells the story of a group of incarcerated people in the Sing Sing Correctional Facility’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program. The program aims to provide people in prison with creative and artistic outlets to help them develop skills they will use after their release.
After taking a few moments to test Maclin’s microphone, Karger began discussing a 2005 Esquire article about the Sing Sing Follies that features Maclin and his portrayal of Hamlet.
Maclin touched on his experience in the RTA program during his time in prison.
“That’s what you think, when you get out, ‘I’m gonna make a movie.’ But it’s more of something that you put on a bucket list. You get it done, you do the movie and you go back to your day job,” Maclin said. “However, that didn’t happen. This is it now. There is no plan B.”
Clarence Maclin posing on the red carpet. (Sherine John / Daily Nexus)
Maclin acted in several plays during his time in the RTA program, and while he never performed in front of a camera, he was able to develop his acting skills quite thoroughly. The RTA program brings in professionals to help incarcerated individuals with their acting, which Maclin considers to have been the training that prepared him for his role as himself in “Sing Sing.” When people try to discredit his acting because of his self-portrayal, Maclin responds with, “I played Hamlet too, I don’t know if you missed that,” causing the audience to erupt in laughter and applause.
“Sing Sing” was filmed in two decommissioned prisons, which stirred an internal battle in Maclin.
“There was a lot of apprehension of going back into a place that I clawed my way out of. I did everything I could to get out of this place,” Maclin said. “But the overall message that the movie represents is that people in prison are just that, people. They have the ability to change, grow. That message that needed to get out was more important than any apprehension or any discomfort that I may have suffered.”
Maclin emphasized that the message also extended to individuals currently in prison. The movie was meant to represent hope and beacon that “it can be done,” in reference to being able to live a life once they are released from prison. The audience erupted into applause and cheers.
When asked about any notable acclaim from other actors, Maclin mentioned Nicolas Cage and Al Pacino.
“These guys said they loved my performance,” Maclin said with enthusiasm. With that, the audience gave him one final round of applause.
As the second Brazilian woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for “I’m Still Here” — her mother, Fernanda Montenegro, being the first — Torres emerged from the wings to rounds of applause and cheers, some in Portuguese, the actress’ first language.
“This is such a special year for women in cinema,” Torres said. “With great performances by ladies, most of them over 40, some of them over 50.”
“I’m Still Here” is based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s autobiography, who Torres is a fan of. His story tells the tale of Eunice Paiva, whose husband is kidnapped by a military coup in 1970s Rio de Janeiro. She is left to navigate the tumultuous world around her family and find answers on her husband’s disappearance.
Torres described getting to bring this book to life and having the opportunity to work with her mother as magical.
“Eunice raised Marcelo. And my mother raised me,” Torres said. “So this film is also about transmission. About the endurance of art. About justice in a long time being made through love, through joy, through art.”
Fernanda Torres is the second Brazilian actress to be nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards. (Sherine John / Daily Nexus)
Karger brought light to a special “full circle moment” Torres shares with her mother — both movies they received nominations for were directed by Walter Salles. Despite starring in the newer of the two films, Torres actually met Salles first. They worked together on a film called “Foreign Land,” which was made three years before her mother’s film, “Central Station.”
“I think that was the film that Walter discovered which director he was. He said ‘I want to work with small teams with everybody being a co-author of the movie,’” Torres said.
“I’m Still Here” is Torres’ first film in 15 years, after her involvement in two popular television shows.
“I thought I was done for Walter. But then Walter doesn’t watch television, so he still had that memory of me,” Torres said.
Playing the same role as her mother in the film, Torres originally thought Salles was going to ask her to help write the script, not star in the film. After all, her mother had already been cast, so Torres was shocked when she was offered the part of Eunice.
“Then I started to work hard, even for the first reading, because I didn’t want to lose the character in reading it. I was working even before the first reading,” Torres said.
As the Academy Awards occurs during Brazil’s Carnival celebration, Torres excitedly shared that the peak of fame in Brazil is measured in Carnival costumes.
“Now I have a lot of me in the streets,” Torres laughed. “I am very proud of it.”
John Magaro was up next for his role in “September 5,” which recounts the events of the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, with the film exclusively taking place in the media room. In the film, he plays Geoffrey Mason, who Karger describes as the “new guy.” Karger asked if Magaro also ever felt the same.
“Every day of my life,” Magaro said immediately, which was met with audience laughter. “Look at these people backstage, look at the people who have talked to you guys. Yeah, that’s me, yes.”
Following Karger’s kudos for Magaro’s parts in “Past Lives,” a 2023 Academy Award nominee, and the television series “The Agency,” Margaro mentioned that the past few years have been “insane” for him.
“It’s been insane, I think, for everyone in this room. It’s been insane, it’s an insane time we’ve been living in,” Magaro said.
He also touched on the 2023 Writers Guild of America strikes and the resilience of the film industry in response. He expressed gratitude for being able to continue doing what he loves in the face of film industry changes, but still has not fully processed it.
“Do you have a couch? We could have a therapy session,” Magaro asked.
John Magaro walking the red carpet. (Sherine John / Daily Nexus)
As “September 5” is set in 1972, Magaro was able to “time travel,” as he aptly put it. Admitting to his nerdiness, he told a story about watching “Back to the Future” every day for a year when he was seven years old because he loved the time traveling aspect so much.
“The idea that film can transport us back in time and show us something, a moment in history that changed everything is really intriguing to me,” Magaro said.
In discussion over editing scenes to appear tense on screen, Magaro touched on the worry that “September 5” would not be able to encapsulate the viewer, as the entire film took place within a media room.
“It’s one of those lessons where you learn the oddest things can be captivating. The oddest things can be thrilling, and you don’t have to play this game of reaching for something you think will be captivating. Life is captivating enough,” Magaro remarked.
Before the film started shooting, Magaro spent two months shadowing at CBS Sunday football and ESPN Madison Square Garden media rooms. Magaro watched the Super Bowl with a new sense of appreciation.
“You take it for granted … these people are in this room laser-focused, getting it right, keeping it on air and it’s so inspiring,” Magaro said.
Nominated for Best Actress in this year’s Academy Awards, “Anora” leading lady Madison walked across the stage in her bright and stunning red gown. The film follows Anora, a Brooklyn sex worker who falls in love and marries the son of a Russian oligarch. The marriage is threatened when Anora’s now in-laws find out.
After the kidnapping scene from “Anora” played for the audience, Karger asked Madison how long she had to scream when filming the scene.
“Literally eight days straight,” Madison said. “But I’ve had experience screaming on production before, so I knew what to expect.”
The Daily Nexus had the opportunity to ask Madison about her previous experience as a young actress, and if that aided her in her performance as Anora in any way.
“I think it was able to help me build that confidence to be able to play Anora,” Madison told the Nexus.
Anora was the first role offered to Madison where she didn’t first have to audition. Director Sean Baker met with her before a script for the film had even been developed, remembering her from her previous roles in “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” and “Scream.” Baker would ask for Madison’s input and update her until the script was fully developed.
“I was really able to be a part of the creative process,” Madison said. “I kind of was just learning as I was going about [Anora].”
Mikey Madison’s performance in “Anora” has garnered critical acclaim, along with an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. (Sherine John / Daily Nexus)
Madison touched on her positive experience with Baker throughout filming. His unique and immersive method of having the cast shoot scenes was something Madison really enjoyed. Specifically, when he would have her do long takes where she was miked up and walking around the club interacting with other actors. This, coupled with Baker’s trust in Madison and request for he input in the creative process of the film, allowed the two to develop a close relationship.
“That was something that I had really been looking for my entire career,” Madison said. “Hoping that someday I would be able to have that kind of relationship with someone like [Baker].”
Barbaro of “A Complete Unknown” was not part of the original Virtuosos Award honorees. But, as a nominee for the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, she fit perfectly into the star-studded lineup. “A Complete Unknown” follows the first years of folk-rock musician Bob Dylan’s career, and his relationship with Joan Baez.
“I like to observe and see where I’m headed before I go somewhere … it’s nice to have gotten to see all of these events and see and now go in as a nominee or not,” Barbaro said in reference to the award circuit of her previous film “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Monica Barbaro speaking to reporters on the red carpet. (Sherine John / Daily Nexus)
Playing an icon like Baez was both exciting and intimidating for Barbaro. She wanted to play the singer-songwriter and activist in a way that was recognizable to people, but also in a way that embodied Baez’s spirit. Barbaro recalled studying Baez’s still performance style and vibrato voice, two major characteristics.
“I understood that these were big shoes to fill and it’s impossible to get that vocal quality that she has. I knew my work was cut out for me,” Barbaro said. “At least to have those elements of recognizability, then you can let go a little bit and try to embody some of their essence.”
Despite playing a woman who excels at both the guitar and singing, Barbaro knew neither at the start of “A Complete Unknown.” She trained in both to do Baez justice, and further nailed her character in a scene where she gave the middle finger to Dylan, played by Timothée Chalamet.
Mirroring the relationship between Baez and Dylan, Barbaro and Chalamet met only after they had learned to play the music of the film.
“We didn’t meet until we were both very musically proficient … and one of our first meetings was a music rehearsal … and it’s also how Joan and Bob met. They met on the music scene … and so we kind of kept our relationship similar to theirs,” Barbaro said.
In a dazzling navy blue suit, Academy Award nominee for Best Actor Stan emerged onstage after a clip from his film “The Apprentice” played for the audience.
“God, that was like the longest clip in the world,” Stan remarked as he sat down. “I have nightmares every night,” he said, causing the audience to chuckle.
Stan portrays a young Donald Trump in the film, exploring how the millionaire turned into the man society has come to know and now the 45th and 47th president of the United States. While on the carpet, the Daily Nexus asked Stan if he had any reservations when it came to taking on the role.
“Anytime we have somebody who is an authority figure, I believe we are entitled to know about who that person is,” Stan said. “If we’re not trying to learn from these people, either good or bad, we’re the ones that are losing, ultimately.”
Sebastian Stan stops for cameras. (Sherine John / Daily Nexus)
Touching on the uncertain nature of the release for the film and general public perception, Stan honed in on the goal of the film, which is getting people to “understand” that they cannot be “indifferent” about Trump and his presidency. It was never about the acclaim, despite how well Stan and co-star Jeremy Strong have been doing during this awards season.
“We’re living in a world where you’ve got billionaires who are telling you how to think, how to feel and everyone is screaming at each other if you’re thinking differently,” Stan said. “And this [film] is just about forming your own opinion and having the courage to say that.”
Karger noted that one of the remarkable things about the film is that the performances and impersonations are not overdone. In response, Stan explained the extensive research and studying he did into Trump in order to get it right. By studying his past interviews, he discovered interesting things about the current president.
“He doesn’t breathe, to be honest. It’s all in the throat,” Stan explained, sending the audience into laughter. “He doesn’t actually breathe into his body. It was fascinating.”
Last, but certainly not least, Gomez walked confidently on stage and with a radiant smile. Her film, “Emilia Pérez,” is a Spanish musical following a Mexico City cartel boss seeking a gender-affirming transition to womanhood, and is nominated for Best Picture.
Before jumping into the short interview, Karger asked how Gomez was doing in the aftermath of the backlash for “Emilia Pérez” as a whole and her specific part in the film.
“I’m really good. Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done and I’m just grateful,” Gomez said.
As this film marked a departure from her pop career, the actress expressed gratitude toward the cast and crew of the film for believing in her and giving her an opportunity to do something new.
Selena Gomez talking to Dave Karger about her role in “Emilia Pérez.” (Sherine John / Daily Nexus)
“Just having someone see something in me besides the audience was such a special experience … I am capable of doing more and I hope that this is just the beginning for me in this field,” Gomez said. “I’m ready to just focus on this for a while. I think film and art-making and being around such incredible people that have done nothing but uplift me along the way … it’s going to be very hard for me to go back to music after this,” Gomez said, met with equal laughter and groans from the audience.
“But … never say never?” Karger responded.
“Emilia Pérez” played at the 2024 Telluride Film Festival, where a club volleyball team made a sign asking Gomez to come to their game later that day. Gomez shared that because she had nothing else to do, and because things like this “make it all worth it,” she made a surprise appearance, met with intense excitement from the young girls.
“My mom always said to treat people the way you wanted to be treated. I’m no greater and no lesser than anyone. I’m just a girl from Texas who works really hard,” Gomez finished.
After Gomez left the stage, Karger brought out all eight nominees for a short panel-style interview. They discussed what Olympic event they would compete in, a dream movie role, a language they want to learn and film recommendations for the audience.
Jane Lynch presenting the Virtuosos Award. (Sherine John / Daily Nexus)
To end the evening, Montecito resident and actress Jane Lynch presented the nominees with their Virtuoso Awards, her third year presenting for the festival. The tributes took a final bow before exiting the stage, leaving audience members itching to watch their films.
Grande and Maclin smiling with their awards. (Sherine John / Daily Nexus)
