The 39th Santa Barbara Film Fest Honors 2024 Oscar Nominees

SANTA BARBARA, CA — The 39th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is underway, featuring a slate of 19 world premieres, 56 U.S. premieres from 48 countries along with panels, tributes and educational programs.

"We are especially proud that half of our slate of films are directed by women, and a large percentage by under-represented filmmakers,” said SBIFF programming director Claudia Puig. “We know there will be something for everyone at our festival — and likely quite a lot for most.”

The 2024 edition opened on Feb. 7 with the world premiere of “Madu,” a moving documentary directed by Matthew Ogens and Joel ‘Kachi Benson. The inspiring story follows the incredible journey of Anthony Madu, a Nigerian teen who became an overnight sensation in 2020 after a video showed him dancing ballet barefoot on a rainy street outside Lagos.

(See more red carpet photo arrivals below.)

Famous for its award galas, the world-renowned film fest is also featuring a myriad of tributes to celebrate exceptional artists and filmmakers in recognition of their outstanding achievement in 2023. This year’s honoree list includes Bradley Cooper, Robert Downey Jr., Anette Benning, Mark Ruffallo, Martin Scorsese, Justine Triet, Paul Giamatti, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, America Ferrera, Lily Gladstone, Greta Lee, Charles Melton, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Andrew Scott, Jeffrey Wright, Billie Eilish, Rodrigo Prieto and Ludwig Göransson.

SBIFF will close on Feb. 17 with the world premiere of “Chosen Family,” Heather Graham’s drama about a yoga teacher searching for inner peace in her life. The film stars Graham, Julia Stiles, Thomas Lennon and Michael Gross.

The 11-day film festival runs from Feb. 7 through Feb 17. For more information on the 39th SBIFF, visit the festival's website (sbiff.org).

Photos From The 2024 Santa Barbara Film Festival

Outstanding Performer Of The Year Award Honoring Bradley Cooper

Carey Mulligan At The 2024 Outstanding Performer Of The Year Award Ceremony

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Maltin Modern Master Award Ceremony Honoring Robert Downey, Jr.

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Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., and Rob Lowe At The Maltin Modern Master Award Ceremony

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American Riviera Award Ceremony Honoring Mark Ruffalo

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Emma Stone At The American Riviera Award Ceremony Honoring Mark Ruffalo

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The 2024 Virtuosos Awards Ceremony Honoring Lily Gladstone

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The 2024 Virtuosos Awards Ceremony Honoring America Ferrera

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The 2024 Virtuosos Awards Ceremony Honoring Greta Lee

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The 2024 Virtuosos Awards Ceremony Honoring Da'Vine Joy Randolph

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The 2024 Virtuosos Awards Ceremony Honoring Andrew Scott

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The 2024 Virtuosos Awards Ceremony Honoring Charles Melton