The Santa Barbara Film Festival’s Virtuosos: A Night to Celebrate Amazing Talent
It’s that time of year again when Santa Barbara rolls out the red carpet and turns up the star power! The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is back for its 40th year, and it’s ready to wow us with everything we love about movies—celebrating creativity, talent, and the magic of storytelling.
One of the festival’s most exciting nights? The Virtuosos Award! This special honor highlights actors whose standout performances have made them the talk of the year. And this year’s lineup? Absolutely stacked.
Meet the 2025 Virtuosos
On February 9, we’ll get to celebrate a group of talented stars, including Kieran Culkin, Harris Dickinson, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Clarence Maclin, Mikey Madison, and John Magaro. Whether they’re seasoned pros or fresh faces, each of them has delivered unforgettable performances that put them front and center in the cinematic world.
Turner Classic Movies host Dave Karger will be moderating the evening for the 15th year in a row. He’s just as excited as we are, saying, “This year’s lineup is as impressive as ever, from megastars like Selena and Ariana to veterans like Kieran and John, to fresh breakouts like Clarence, Mikey, Harris, and Karla.”
Why SBIFF Is a Must-See
If you’ve never been to SBIFF, here’s the scoop: It’s 11 days packed with films, celebrity tributes, panels, and Q&As. Last year, it featured over 200 films from more than 48 countries, and this year’s festival promises to be even bigger.
And let’s not forget the festival’s commitment to education. SBIFF supports over 18,000 kids, students, and families through free programs that introduce them to the art of film. From teaching filmmaking to hosting movie screenings for underserved communities, SBIFF is all about making cinema accessible for everyone.
Save the Date!
This year’s festival runs from February 4–15, 2025, with screenings and events happening at iconic venues like the Riviera Theatre, the Arlington Theatre, and SBIFF’s new Film Center. Whether you’re a die-hard movie buff or just love a good story, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Passes are on sale now at SBIFF.org. Grab yours and get ready to celebrate the best in film, right here in beautiful Santa Barbara.
See you at the festival!
