Robert Downey, Jr. will receive the Maltin Modern Master Award at the 39th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the highest accolade given out by the festival. He will be honored at a ceremony scheduled for Feb. 9.
The ceremony involves an in-person conversation with Downey and film historian and critic Leonard Maltin, the namesake of the award. They will discuss Downey’s expansive career, from his start in the industry to his recent performance as Lewis Strauss in Christopher’s Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.”
While best known for playing Tony Stark/Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey now has over 110 acting credits to his name and has won two Academy Awards in addition to a Golden Globe. His forthcoming titles include Max’s series adaptation of the novel “The Sympathizer,” in which he plays four supporting roles, and Paramount’s remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1958 film “Vertigo.”
“Robert Downey Jr. has staged one of the most spectacular second acts in show business history…and we in the audience are the beneficiaries. He commands the screen without any visible effort, which is perhaps the greatest feat of all,” said Maltin.
Christopher Nolan said, “It’s thrilling to see audiences responding not just to Robert Downey Jr’s incredible charisma, but to a performance which, stripped of any movie star trappings, shows once again that he is one of the greatest actors.”
Ryan Gosling to Be Honored With Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film
“Barbie” actor Ryan Gosling will be honored with the 16th Annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. This is the second time the honor will be awarded since Kirk Douglas died. Previous recipients of the award include Michelle Yeoh, Martin Scorsese, Hugh Jackman, Dame Judi Dench, Harrison Ford and Quentin Tarantino, among others.
“Ryan Gosling has long been both a dramatic and comedic force in front of the camera. This year, thanks to his universally hailed, triumphant performance as Ken in ‘Barbie’ – a film that truly demanded the attention of critics and moviegoers around the world – he has become a true cinematic powerhouse,” executive director Roger Durling said in a statement.
Gosling was previously recognized with the SBIFF “Outstanding Performer of the Year” award for his performance in “La La Land,” which also garnered him an Oscar nomination. He will next be seen starring alongside Emily Blunt in the David Leitch-directed action comedy film “The Fall Guy.”