Artsweek

May 9, 2026

Medusa’s musical tragedy: “A Legacy of Stone” at Lotte Lehmann Concert Hall

By Carly Rattner

The musical was a three-year-long dream of Hastings’, reimagining the Greek myth of Medusa’s origin story.

May 9, 2026

‘The Drama’ was so close to being truly great

By Isabella Seechan

The A24 film has sparked divisive discourse among movie watchers. While some found the film an offensive failure, others found it a thought-provoking masterpiece. Two things can be true at once.

May 9, 2026

Tracks of the month: April 2026

By Artsweek Staff

Artsweek staff's favorite tracks of April 2026.

April 9, 2026

Lil Yachty drives UCSB crazy at The Warm Up

By Lauren Chiou

The April 4 concert, organized by UC Santa Barbara’s Associated Students Program Board, brought in a record-breaking crowd of over 3,000 attendees, making it one of the biggest evenings in the concert’s history

March 30, 2026

“Wuthering Heights” Replaces Feeling with Lust

By Sophia Benito

There’s no burning and longing; it’s all physical lust. It lacks the emotional weight that an adaptation of “Wuthering Heights” should possess.

March 13, 2026

The results are in: Artsweek’s official 2026 Academy Award predictions

By Artsweek Staff

As the ultra-competitive 2026 Academy Awards approach, here are Artsweek’s official predictions for who will take home the golden statuettes in the major categories.

March 5, 2026

Beats after dark: ASPB presents fourth annual Battle of the DJs

By Makena Eggiman

Isla Vista residents gathered at Anisq’Oyo Park to watch UC Santa Barbara students compete in Associated Students Program Board's Battle of the DJs.

March 5, 2026

Banff Mountain Film Festival Sells Out Santa Barbara for Night One

By Bridget Keon

The only film festival that has ever had showings in outer space, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, came to Santa Barbara this week.

February 25, 2026

SBIFF 2026: Closing night premiere of ‘Laundry’ — a devastating depiction of apartheid South Africa

By Levi Kauffman

The 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival concluded with the U.S. premiere of "Laundry" on Feb. 14.

February 25, 2026

SBIFF 2026: ‘Lovely Day’ is a chaotic drama full of hope

By Roxanna Reid

Philippe Falardeau’s French-Canadian feature film documents the unraveling of a happily-ever-after that can’t be over quickly enough.

February 18, 2026

SBIFF 2026: Arlington Artist of the Year Kate Hudson joined by Gwyneth Paltrow

By Stella Mullin

Kate Hudson was honored for her Academy Award-nominated performance in "Song Sung Blue," along with her prolific career.

February 18, 2026

SBIFF 2026: Michael B. Jordan talks legacy and career, receives Outstanding Performer Award

By Michelle Cisneros, Jack Dindia

Jordan was honored for his dual performance as twin brothers Smoke and Stack in “Sinners,” for which he received critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Actor at the upcoming Academy Awards.

February 18, 2026

SBIFF 2026: Honored with Montecito Award, Stellan Skarsgård delighted in night of humor and humility

By Wynne Bendell, Zachery Kramer

The prolific actor and star of “Sentimental Value” was honored for his great contribution to film. Skarsgård’s “Dune” co-star Josh Brolin presented the award.