"Toasts,
& Tributes:
30th Santa Barbara International Film Festival
The
twelve day event sponsored by UGG Australia was filled
with awards, over seventy-five great films, and star studded
red carpets at the historic Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara.
From the opening film "Desert Dancer" directed by
Richard Raymond to the closing film "McFarland USA"
starring Kevin Costner the annual festival was all about the
art of film making and recognizing award worthy celebrities
who were all toasting with Dom Perignon, the official champagne
sponsor for the event. Dom Perignon's Julia Fitzroy was greeting
celebrities in the Dom Perignon Lounge following a bevy of award
presentations.
Arlington Theatre Marque
Jennifer
Aniston, who gave an exceptional performance in "Cake"
was presented the Montecito Award. She was accompanied by her
fiancee Justin Theroux, and looked sensational as she walked
the red carpet in a stunning Tom Ford design. Jeff Barbakow,
Chairman of SBIFF presented Aniston with The Montecito Award,
which is named for one of the most beautiful and stylish areas
in Santa Barbara, and is given to a recipient whose style has
been a reel contribution to film. Past recipients include Oprah
Winfrey, Daniel Day-Lewis, Geoffrey Rush, Julianne Moore, Kate
Winslet, Javier Bardem, Bill Codon and Naomi Watts.
Jennifer Aniston, Montecito Award Recipient
Aniston's
acceptance speech nearly brought tears to the eyes of many in
the audience. The former "Friends" star warmly shared
her heart felt appreciation to SBIFF for the award, and expressed
how much she loves Santa Barbara and the people she has known
in the community. Aniston and Brad Pitt had a home together
in Santa Barbara, and enjoyed their own happy slice of life
together in the blissful seaside destination during their five
year marriage.
Patricia
Arquette, Ethan Hawke and Ellar Coltrane walked the red carpet
and made a handsome group representing their "Boyhood"
film, which was possibly one of the longest filming projects
of our time, and has garnered huge award attention, including
Academy Award consideration. The American Riviera Award was
presented to Arquette and Hawke by Ellar Coltrane. Sunstone
Vineyards &Winery in Santa Ynez sponsored this tribute.
"Boyhood" Stars Ethan Hawke, Ellar Coltrane &
Patricia Arquette
The
Performer of the Year award was given to Steve Carell star of
"Foxcatcher" who charmed the media as he came down
the red carpet looking extremely handsome, a nice departure
from his character in "Foxcatcher," and took time
to sign autograph's for the crowd waiting to see him. Pete Hammond
moderated the fun evening, and actress Jennifer Garner, who
is a dear friend of Carell, presented the award.
Eddie
Redmayne and Felicity Jones "The Theory of Everything"
stars were presented the Cinema Vanguard Award by screenwriter
Anthony McCarten; all three of these talents received Academy
Award nominations for the film. This tribute was sponsored by
Tangueray No. 5 Gin.
Michael Keaton, Modern Master Award Recipient
Leonard
Maltin did the interview of "Birdman" star Michael
Keaton who was presented the Modern Master Award. Keaton's red
carpet walk was fantastic, and a huge crowd of fans were there
to welcome him. Keaton, who has a home in Santa Barbara, was
accompanied by his son Sean who he describes as his best friend.
It was announced during Keaton's award ceremony that the Modern
Master Award will now be known as the Maltin Modern Master Award
in honor of friend of the SBIFF and film historian Leonard Maltin.
For
additional information on the 2015 film award and tribute winners
visit SBIFF.org.
Contributed By Bonnie Carroll
http://www.lifebitesnews.com