Virtuosos Award Recipients
It's that time of year! The 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival returns this February 4 through February 14, promising 11 days of star-studded red carpets, film screenings, panels, tributes, and more! Attracting 100,000 attendees each year, SBIFF has become one of the top 10 film festivals in the United States. The legendary event is dedicated to showcasing the best independent and international films of the year and inspiring the community through cinema.
Check out some of the highlights for this year's SBIFF below! The following events will all take place at the historic Arlington Theater.
2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival - Main Events Schedule:
Wednesday, February 4 | Opening Night Film: A Mosquito in the Ear
Thursday, February 5 | Maltin Modern Master Award: Honoring Adam Sandler
Saturday, February 7 | Variety Artisans Award honoring EJAE, Alexandre Desplat, Jack Fisk and more
Saturday, February 8 | Virtuosos Award honoring Jacob Elordi, Chase Infiniti, Jeremy Allen White and more
Monday, February 9 | Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award honoring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro
Tuesday, February 10 | Outstanding Directors Award (Honorees TBA)
Wednesday, February 11 | Montecito Award honoring Stellan Skarsgård
Thursday, February 12 | Outstanding Performer Award honoring Michael B. Jordan
Friday, February 13 | Arlington Artist of the Year Award honoring Kate Hudson
Saturday, February 14 | Closing Night Film: Laundry
Click Here for tickets and passes and Click here for the full schedule of events, including film screenings and panels.
