Artsweek

SBIFF 2026: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro receive Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award, with surprise presenter Paul Thomas Anderson

The film legends and “One Battle After Another” co-stars were honored for their unmatched achievements and contributions to film.
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SBIFF 2026: Teyana Taylor, Jacob Elordi and more honored with Virtuosos Award

Virtuosos is the most star-packed event of the festival, honoring eight rising stars who have made waves in the year’s film circuit.
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SBIFF 2026: Academy Award-nominated directors talk international features

Kleber Mendonça Filho (“The Secret Agent”), Jafar Panahi (“It Was Just an Accident”), Joachim Trier (“Sentimental Value”), Oliver Laxe (“Sirāt”) and Kaouther Ben Hania (“The Voice ...
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SBIFF 2026: Academy Award-nominated producers convene at Producers Panel

The Producers Panel brought together 10 Academy Award-nominated producers to discuss their Best Picture-nominated films.
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SBIFF 2026: “The Eyes of Ghana” is a love letter to film and the fight for freedom

The documentary tells the story of Chris Hesse and his decades-long pursuit of restoring the film he shot during his time as the personal cinematographer for Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, ...
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SBIFF 2026: Women’s Panel hosts 6 award-winning creatives

The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival recently held their annual Women’s Panel, highlighting the achievements of women in the film industry on Saturday, Feb. 7.  The event featured six...
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SBIFF 2026: Academy Award-nominated casting directors talk about finally receiving their own category

The event featured Academy Award-nominated casting directors Gabriel Domingues, Nina Gold, Francine Maisler, Jennifer Venditti and Cassandra Kulukundis.
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SBIFF 2026: Variety Artisans Award ceremony honors talent behind 2025’s biggest films

Ten artisans – including composers, editors, designers and visual effects artists – were recognized for shaping the year’s biggest cinematic projects.
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SBIFF 2026: Ethan Hawke reflects on 40-year career, meets Jeff Bridges at American Riviera Award

Actor, filmmaker and writer Ethan Hawke was honored with the American Riviera Award for his extensive, genre-spanning career.
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SBIFF 2026: Comedian before all else, Adam Sandler honored with Maltin Modern Master Award

Comedian before anything else, actor Adam Sandler was awarded with the Maltin Modern Master Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
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The Army, The Navy and the perfect evening

The whimsical folk-pop duo enchanted UC Santa Barbara students in Anisq'Oyo Park and surprised announced their new album.
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A night of rebellious creativity with Miranda July

Author Miranda July stopped by UCSB's Campbell Hall to talk about life, creativity, her new book and aging.
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A sacred show: Magnetize and guest Johanna Warren create a musical haven

Isla Vista band Magnetize opened for singer-songwriter Johanna Warren in a backyard concert on Jan. 18.
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Looking East looks forward

The local Goleta band is set to release its debut album, "Break of the Day," on Jan. 23.
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Powerful pianists: Beethoven marathon at Granada Theatre

The Santa Barbara Symphony performed a weekend-long marathon of all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos at the Granada Theatre from Jan. 17-18.
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