Eight Performers Named Santa Barbara Virtuosos Honorees

The 2027 honorees are Kate O’Flynn, Jaafar Jackson, Carrie Coon, Anthony Ippolito, Rosalind Eleazar, Inde Navarrette, Jordan Firstman and Mariana di Girolamo. The festival recognizes performers whose film work has drawn attention during the year’s awards season.

The artists will take part in a discussion about their work before receiving the award at the 42nd annual festival. The event is scheduled for February 7 at Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre and will be moderated by Dave Karger, a Turner Classic Movies host.

The performances being recognized are Coon in “The Liberation,” di Girolamo in “Wild Horse Nine,” Eleazar in “Misty Green,” Firstman in “Club Kid,” Ippolito in “I Play Rocky,” Jackson in “Michael,” Navarrette in “Obsession” and O’Flynn in “Tender Loving Care.”

Karger called the group a “powerhouse” drawn from films that have been widely discussed this season. He also said he was looking forward to welcoming the performers to Santa Barbara, noting that several are international performers.

The festival runs from February 3 to 13, 2027, with screenings, filmmaker discussions, industry panels and tributes planned around the city. Other announced honors include the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award for John Malkovich and the Maltin Modern Master Award for Andrew Garfield.