FilmDrops
2025 SBIFF Virtuosos Awards
8:00PM - Arlington Theatre, Sunday, February 9, 2025
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) celebrated some of the most talked-about performances of the season with its annual Virtuosos Awards on Sunday, February 9, at 8:00 PM at the Arlington Theatre. This prestigious event, designed to recognize a select group of rising and established talents, sold out quickly.
This year’s honorees included a mix of industry veterans, rising stars, and major pop culture figures, all of whom delivered standout performances in their respective films:
2025 Virtuosos Award Honorees
- Selena Gomez (Emilia Pérez)
- Ariana Grande (Wicked)
- Clarence Maclin (Sing Sing)
- Mikey Madison (Anora)
- John Magaro (September 5)
- Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
- Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)
- Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown)
The evening was once again moderated by Dave Karger, host of Turner Classic Movies, marking his 15th year leading the event.
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The Apprentice (2024)
A young Donald Trump (Sebastian Stan), eager to make his name as a hungry second son of a wealthy family in 1970s New York.
Emilia Pérez (2024)
Four remarkable women pursue happiness in Jacques Audiard's audacious, genre-defying film that unfolds through a fever dream of original songs and dance.
September 5 (2024)
Set during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, the film follows an American Sports broadcasting team that quickly adapted from sports reporting to live coverage of the Israeli athletes taken hostage.
I'm Still Here (2024)
2025 Academy Awards® Best Picture Nominee. A hidden chapter of Brazil’s history is revealed through a gripping personal story.
Wicked (2024)
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Sing Sing (2024)
Based on the true story of a man imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit.
Anora (2024)
Sean Baker's Palme d'Or winner ANORA is an audacious, thrilling, and comedic variation on a modern day Cinderella story.
A Complete Unknown (2024)
Timothée Chalamet is Bob Dylan in A COMPLETE UNKNOWN.
“This year’s lineup is as impressive as ever, ranging from megastars like Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande to veteran actors like Kieran Culkin and John Magaro, to true breakouts like Clarence Maclin, Mikey Madison, Harris Dickinson, and Karla Sofía Gascón,” said Karger.
The Virtuosos Award has become one of SBIFF’s most anticipated events, spotlighting rising talent who have captivated audiences and critics alike. Past honorees have included Oscar winners and nominees such as Lily Gladstone, Austin Butler, Ke Huy Quan, and Zendaya.
