SBIFF Celebrates Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro
Three prominent figures in cinema, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro, will be honored at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) on February 9. They are recognized for their contributions to the acclaimed film *One Battle After Another*, which leads this awards season with numerous nominations.
Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award
The trio will receive the Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award, a distinction recently renamed in honor of Pete and Madelyn Hammond, longtime friends of the festival. Their performances as Bob (DiCaprio), Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Penn), and Sensei Sergio St. Carlos (Del Toro) have propelled the film to the forefront of the awards circuit.
Awards and Nominations
- *One Battle After Another* has earned nine Golden Globe nominations.
- The film received 14 nominations for the Critics Choice Awards.
- Named Best Picture of the Year by several prestigious groups, including The Gotham Awards and the National Board of Review.
Film Synopsis
*One Battle After Another* follows a washed-up revolutionary named Bob, played by DiCaprio. Living off the grid with his strong-willed daughter, Willa, they struggle when Bob’s nemesis resurfaces after 16 years, leading to dramatic consequences for their lives. Chase Infiniti, who plays Willa, will also appear at SBIFF during the Virtuosos Awards on February 8.
Celebrating Cinema Icons
Roger Durling, SBIFF’s Executive Director, expressed excitement about honoring these three remarkable talents. “This is the most exciting tribute in SBIFF history,” he stated. Durling emphasized that their collective contribution to *One Battle After Another* makes this event particularly special.
Biography Highlights
Each honoree has an impressive filmography:
- Leonardo DiCaprio: An Academy Award-winning actor, known for roles in films such as *The Revenant*, *Inception*, and *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*. He has received multiple awards, including seven Academy Award nominations.
- Sean Penn: An Academy Award-winning actor and filmmaker with acclaimed performances in *Mystic River* and *Milk*. He has been recognized by major film festivals and has an extensive body of work spanning over 40 years.
- Benicio Del Toro: Celebrated for his versatile roles, Del Toro won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in *Traffic* and has a filmography that includes *Sicario* and *Star Wars: The Last Jedi*.
Upcoming Festival Details
The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival will run from February 4 to 14, featuring various events, including screenings and panels. Notable tributes this year will honor Michael B. Jordan, Adam Sandler, and Stellan Skarsgård, among others. Tickets and passes are available at El-Balad for festival attendees.
