John Malkovich, the revered stage and screen actor, has been tapped to receive the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Outstanding Performer of the Year Award in recognition of his massively acclaimed and Oscar-buzzed turn as a twisted FBI agent in Martin McDonagh’s Wild Horse Nine, SBIFF announced on Thursday.
Malkvoich, 72, will be feted with an evening of clips and conversation on Friday, Feb. 12, at Santa Barbara’s historic Arlington Theater, prior to being presented with his award.
SBIFF executive director Roger Durling said of the two-time Oscar nominee in a statement, “A legendary actor gives this year in Wild Horse Nine his best performance to date, in which he combines pathos, volatility, vulnerability and tenderness. It’s a high wire act that shows us what a commanding artist he is, and we are thrilled to be honoring him with our Outstanding Performer of the Year Award.”
SBIFF’s Outstanding Performer of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves with exceptional performances. Past recipients include Michael B. Jordan, Ralph Fiennes, Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis, Sacha Baron Cohen, Adam Driver, Rami Malek, Margot Robbie and Allison Janney, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, Brie Larson and Saoirse Ronan, Steve Carell, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lawrence, Viola Davis, James Franco, Colin Firth, Penelope Cruz, Angelina Jolie, Helen Mirren, Heath Ledger, Kate Winslet and Charlize Theron.
The 42nd SBIFF will run Feb. 3-13, 2027.