This Christmas, dream huge. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star in SONG SUNG BLUE, featuring the iconic songs of Neil Diamond. Only in theaters December 25.
Arlington Artist of the Year Award Honoring Kate Hudson: SBIFF2026
The Arlington Artist of the Year Award at the 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival will honor Kate Hudson during a special in-person tribute and career retrospective celebrating more than two decades on screen.
Friday, February 13, 2026
8:00 PM
Arlington Theatre – Santa Barbara
The evening will spotlight Hudson’s acclaimed performance in Song Sung Blue, directed by Craig Brewer and released by Focus Features. Starring opposite Hugh Jackman, Hudson plays one half of a down-on-their-luck couple who find love and renewal performing as a Neil Diamond tribute band. Her performance—tender, layered, and emotionally grounded—has earned her Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations and is widely regarded as one of the most nuanced turns of her career.
Audiences first fell in love with Hudson in Almost Famous, and she has since built a diverse body of work spanning romantic comedies, dramas, and ensemble hits. With Song Sung Blue, Hudson delivers what many are calling a career-defining performance—one that highlights her range, charisma, and emotional depth.
Created in honor of one of Santa Barbara’s most historic landmarks, the Arlington Theatre, the arlington artist of the year award celebrates performers whose artistry leaves a lasting mark on cinema. The inaugural recipient in 2025 was Timothee Chalamet.
Join us at the iconic Arlington Theatre for a night celebrating a beloved star whose talent continues to evolve and inspire.
