The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has revealed that Irish actors Caitriona Balfe and Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan are among the recipients of this year’s Virtuosos Award.
The award was created to recognize a select group of talent whose noteworthy performances in film have elevated them into the national cinematic dialogue.
Caitriona Balfe and Jamie Dornan, who both star in Kenneth Branagh’s Northern Irish drama Belfast, are joined by Ariana DeBose (West Side Story), Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza), Emilia Jones (CODA), Troy Kotsur (CODA), Simon Rex (Red Rocket), and Saniyya Sidney (King Richard).
The eight actors will discuss their work and receive their awards in-person on Saturday, March 5, 2022 during the 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The evening will be moderated for the 12th year by Dave Karger, Turner Classic Movies host.
“This year’s Virtuosos are a phenomenal and international group who are integral parts of the season’s most exciting and emotional films. I’m so excited to gather them on stage in Santa Barbara in March,” said Dave Karger.
The last two year’s Virtuosos honorees included Riz Ahmed, Maria Bakalova, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Andra Day, Sidney Flanigan, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Zendaya, Awkwafina, Taron Egerton, Cynthia Erivo, Beanie Feldstein, Aldis Hodge, George MacKay, Florence Pugh, and Taylor Russell.
The 37th Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place in-person from March 2 through to March 12, 2022. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre.
This year’s lineup will be announced February 2022 and more information can be found about the festival - here.
