Eight Actors Set for Santa Barbara Honor
The group includes leading contenders for best picture and actor categories at the upcoming awards season.
By Bianca Zhao ·
Eight performers will receive the Virtuosos Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. They have all achieved career breakthroughs in 2026 and are currently in contention for Academy Awards.
The group includes three best actress contenders. Carrie Coon will speak about The Liberation. Rosalind Eleazar will discuss Misty Green. Inde Navarrette will talk about Obsession. The selection also covers the best actor race. Jordan Firstman is nominated for Club Kid. Anthony Oppolito is in the conversation for I Play Rocky. Jaafar Jackson will represent Michael.
Two best supporting actress frontrunners round out the list. Mariana di Girolamo is nominated for Wild Horse Nine. Kate O’Flynn is a contender for Tender Loving Care. These eight individuals will discuss their work individually before joining for a group conversation.
The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 7, 2027. It will be held at the historic Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara. Dave Karger will moderate the event for the 17th consecutive year. Karger is a host for TCM and the author of a new book titled 50 Movie Nights: Contemporary Stars on Their Favorite Classic Films.
Karger described the group as a powerhouse from the season’s most discussed films. He noted the fitting nature of including many international performers. The festival’s 42nd edition will run from Feb. 3 to 13, 2027. Previous honorees include Zendaya, Selena Gomez, and Teyana Taylor.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
