Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Wunmi Mosaku to Receive SBIFF Virtuosos Awards
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is set to return for its 41st edition from February 4 to 14, 2026. This year, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Wunmi Mosaku have been selected to receive the prestigious Virtuosos Award.
Honorees for the Virtuosos Award
Both Lilleaas and Mosaku are being recognized for their outstanding performances in films that captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. Lilleaas stars in SENTIMENTAL VALUE, while Mosaku shines in SINNERS. They will join an esteemed group of artists including Jacob Elordi, Chase Infiniti, Amy Madigan, Wagner Moura, Sydney Sweeney, and Teyana Taylor.
The Virtuosos Award ceremony will be moderated by TCM’s Dave Karger, highlighting a collection of performers whose recent work has placed them in prime discussions for award nominations.
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas
Lilleaas delivers a captivating performance in SENTIMENTAL VALUE, an emotional drama directed by Joachim Trier. The film also features Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Elle Fanning. Lilleaas’s portrayal has not only earned her an Academy Award nomination but has also garnered nominations from prestigious organizations including BAFTA and the Golden Globe. Her talent was further recognized when she won the Best Supporting Actress from the National Board of Review, marking her as a standout presence in the film industry.
Wunmi Mosaku
In SINNERS, Wunmi Mosaku takes on a role that has received widespread acclaim. This genre-defying film, directed by Ryan Coogler, made history by earning 16 Academy Award nominations. Mosaku is acclaimed for her emotionally rich performance alongside Michael B. Jordan, which has led to nominations for both an Academy Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Known for her roles in Lovecraft Country, His House, and Loki, Mosaku continues to solidify her status in both film and television.
Other Notable Appearances at SBIFF
- Academy Award nominee Delroy Lindo will feature in a screening of SINNERS on February 12, 2026.
- Producer Jerry Bruckheimer is scheduled to appear following a screening of F1 on February 5, 2026.
Lindo’s performance as blues musician Delta Slim has earned him acclaim and his first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His career includes notable performances in films like Malcolm X and Da 5 Bloods.
Bruckheimer, a titan in Hollywood known for iconic films such as Top Gun and Pirates of the Caribbean, will present his latest film, which showcases the racing world through the lens of mentorship and revival.
Festival Highlights
The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival promises a plethora of events, including filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and tributes to notable figures. Screenings will take place at venues such as the historic Arlington Theatre and the newly established McHurley Film Center. Festival passes are currently available for purchase at sbiff.org.
Last year, the festival featured over 200 films, celebrated numerous Academy Award winners and nominees, and established itself as a highlight of the awards season.
