Santa Barbara Film Festival Unveils 2026 Star Honorees

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is gearing up for its 41st edition, promising a dazzling celebration of cinematic artistry from February 4 to 14, 2026. As the festival draws near, organizers have unveiled a slate of new honorees and special programming, cementing SBIFF’s reputation as a vital stop on the awards season circuit and a beacon for film lovers and industry insiders alike.

This year, the Virtuosos Award—one of the festival’s most sought-after accolades—will be bestowed upon Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Wunmi Mosaku, recognizing their captivating performances in SENTIMENTAL VALUE and SINNERS, respectively. According to Filmogaz, these two artists join a distinguished roster of fellow Virtuosos, including Jacob Elordi, Chase Infiniti, Amy Madigan, Wagner Moura, Sydney Sweeney, and Teyana Taylor. The ceremony, a highlight of the festival, will be moderated by Turner Classic Movies’ Dave Karger, whose insightful interviews have become a staple of the event.

Lilleaas’s journey to the Virtuosos stage has been marked by a string of accolades and critical acclaim. In Joachim Trier’s SENTIMENTAL VALUE, she shares the screen with Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Elle Fanning, delivering what many critics have called a breakout performance. Her nuanced portrayal has not only captivated audiences worldwide but also earned her a first Academy Award nomination. As reported by El Balad, Lilleaas’s talent has been recognized by the BAFTA, Golden Globe, Critics Choice, and Gotham Awards, and she clinched the Best Supporting Actress Award from the National Board of Review—an impressive feat for any rising star.

Wunmi Mosaku, meanwhile, has been on a meteoric rise in both film and television. Her role in Ryan Coogler’s SINNERS—a film that made history by securing 16 Academy Award nominations—has garnered her widespread acclaim and nominations for both an Academy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Mosaku’s performance alongside Michael B. Jordan in this genre-bending narrative has been described as “emotionally rich” and “genre-defying” by Filmogaz. Already a BAFTA winner for earlier work in Lovecraft Country, His House, and Loki, Mosaku’s inclusion among the Virtuosos further solidifies her status as one of the most dynamic talents working today.

The festival’s lineup doesn’t stop at the Virtuosos. SBIFF will also host Academy Award nominee Delroy Lindo following a screening of SINNERS on February 12 at the historic Arlington Theatre. Lindo’s portrayal of blues musician Delta Slim has been met with significant praise, earning him his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor and highlighting a career that spans memorable roles in films such as Malcolm X, Da 5 Bloods, and The Harder They Fall. His appearance is expected to be a major draw for festivalgoers and cinephiles alike.

On February 5, legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer will make a special appearance after a screening of F1, a high-octane drama directed by Joseph Kosinski. The film stars Brad Pitt as a seasoned Formula 1 driver who takes a young upstart under his wing. Bruckheimer’s career, spanning more than four decades, includes some of Hollywood’s most iconic blockbusters—Top Gun, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Armageddon among them. His participation at SBIFF underscores the festival’s appeal to both the creative and commercial sides of the industry.

Tributes and special awards are a long-standing tradition at SBIFF, and this year’s roster is particularly impressive. Michael B. Jordan will receive the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award, recognizing his body of work and current achievements. Adam Sandler is set to be honored with the Maltin Modern Master Award, while Stellan Skarsgård will accept the Montecito Award. The Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award will be presented to Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro, acknowledging their contributions to cinema. Meanwhile, Kate Hudson will be celebrated as the Arlington Artist of the Year, and Ethan Hawke will receive the American Riviera Award, highlighting his enduring influence and versatility as an actor and filmmaker.

Of course, the festival is about more than just awards. SBIFF will offer an extensive program of screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes at venues throughout Santa Barbara, including the storied Arlington Theatre and the newly established McHurley Film Center. Last year’s festival set a high bar, featuring over 200 films—including 33 world premieres and 74 U.S. premieres from 60 different countries—and celebrating more than 50 Academy Award winners and nominees. As El Balad notes, the festival’s international scope and A-list guest list have made it a must-attend event for those tracking the pulse of contemporary cinema.

Festival passes are currently available for purchase at sbiff.org, with organizers encouraging early registration due to high demand. The festival’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and cinematic excellence is evident in its programming—whether it’s spotlighting emerging talents like Lilleaas and Mosaku or paying tribute to established icons such as Bruckheimer and Lindo.

For many in the industry, SBIFF represents more than just a showcase of new films; it’s a gathering place for artists, fans, and tastemakers to connect, debate, and celebrate the power of storytelling. The inclusion of filmmaker Q&As and industry panels provides invaluable opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and seasoned professionals to exchange ideas and insights. The festival’s blend of glamour, substance, and community spirit is what keeps people coming back year after year.

As the festival prepares to open its doors, anticipation is running high. With a lineup that bridges the worlds of independent film and Hollywood spectacle, and a roster of honorees that reflects both fresh talent and enduring achievement, the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival is poised to make a lasting impression on the awards season and the broader cultural landscape. Whether you’re a film buff, an industry insider, or just someone looking for a little cinematic magic, SBIFF 2026 promises something for everyone.

In a year packed with standout performances and landmark films, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival stands as a testament to the enduring allure and transformative power of the movies.