Santa Barbara Film Festival Announces 2026 Virtuosos Award Honorees Including Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney

The Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) has announced its 2025 Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Awards Gala honorees, including screenwriter Austin Kolodney, actor Delroy Lindo, and costume designer Deborah L. Scott, celebrating their contributions to cinema. The gala, hosted by Leonard Maltin, is a key event of the festival running from November 5-9 and highlights visionaries who shape storytelling in film. Meanwhile, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) will honor a diverse group of actors with the 2026 Virtuosos Award, recognizing their standout work in films throughout 2025; recipients include Jacob Elordi, Chase Infiniti, Amy Madigan, Wagner Moura, Renate Reinsve, Sydney Sweeney, Teyana Taylor, and Jeremy Allen White. These awards will be presented during the festival held February 4-14, 2026, with a special ceremony on February 8 moderated by Turner Classic Movies host Dave Karger, known for his long-standing role in the event. The Virtuosos Award highlights emerging talents who have made significant cinematic impacts, while other SBIFF honors include Adam Sandler's Maltin Modern Master Award and Michael B. Jordan's Performer of the Year Award. Both festivals emphasize the celebration of artistic achievement and storytelling innovation in film, bringing together industry leaders and audiences to recognize exceptional contributions.