SBIFF Presented by Lexus Celebrates 40th Anniversary Honoring Angelina Jolie, Zoe Saldaña, Kieran Culkin, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Timothée Chalamet & More

From February 4, 2025, to February 15, 2025, The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), presented by Lexus, will showcase 33 world premieres and 74 U.S. premieres from 60 countries. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, SBIFF will host events honoring Academy Award frontrunners Angelina Jolie, Ralph Fiennes, Zoe Saldaña, Kieran Culkin Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande & More.

In response to the unprecedented wildfires in and around Los Angeles, SBIFF has partnered with Direct Relief. Throughout the Festival, all donations to this effort will be doubled through the generosity of a $100,000 matching grant.

The festival will feature 52% of films directed by women, along with tributes featuring the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach programs.

Opening Night presented by Lexus will kick off on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, with the US Premiere of JANE AUSTEN WRECKED MY LIFE (Jane Austen a gâché ma vie). Written and Directed by Laura Piani, stars Camille Rutherford, Pablo Pauly, Charlie Anson and Annabelle Lengronne. The Writer/Director will be joining us in-person.

On Saturday, February 15, 2025, SBIFF will close with the US Premiere of A MISSING PART (Une part manquante). Written and Directed by Guillaume Senez, stars Romain Duris, Judith Chemla, Mei Cirne-Masuki, Tsuyu, and Shungiku Uchida. The Writer/Director will be joining us in-person.

SBIFF is an important showcase for Academy Award frontrunners, many of whom have arrived as nominees and gone on to win the Oscar. The 40th SBIFF proudly celebrates some of the year’s finest work in film. All tributes will be in person at the historic Arlington Theatre.

• Maltin Modern Master Award honoring Angelina Jolie – Wednesday, February 5 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Leonard Maltin.
• Outstanding Performer of the Year Award honoring Ralph Fiennes – Thursday, February 6 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Scott Feinberg.
• American Riviera Award presented by Lexus honoring Zoe Saldaña – Friday, February 7 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Anne Thompson.
• Variety Artisans Award – Saturday, February 8 at 8:00pm. Honorees to be announced. Moderated by Jazz Tangcay.
• Virtuosos Award presented by Manitou Fund honoring Kieran Culkin [A REAL PAIN], Harris Dickinson [BABYGIRL], Karla Sofía Gascón [EMILIA PÉREZ], Selena Gomez [EMILIA PÉREZ], Ariana Grande [WICKED], Clarence Maclin [SING SING], Mikey Madison [ANORA], and John Magaro [SEPTEMBER 5] – Sunday, February 9 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Dave Karger.
• Arlington Artist of the Year Award presented by FIJI Water honoring Timothée Chalamet – Tuesday, February 11 at 8:00pm. Moderator to be announced.
• Cinema Vanguard Award honoring Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce – Thursday, February 13 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Pete Hammond.
• Montecito Award presented by Manitou Fund honoring Colman Domingo – Friday, February 14 at 8:00pm. Moderated by Roger Durling.
• Outstanding Directors of the Year Award – Date and Honorees to be announced. Moderated by Scott Feinberg.

For the complete list of films, synopses, and other special events please visit https://sbiff.org/ or the SBIFF app.

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Source: SBIFF, Direct Relief, Angelina Jolie, Ralph Fiennes, Zoe Saldaña, Kieran Culkin Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Timothée Chalamet, Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce