The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) has announced the recipient of the 2016 Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film and it’s none other than Warren Beatty.
In a release from SBIFF, the organization revealed that Beatty will receive the honor on Dec. 1, 2016 which is just eight days from Douglas’ 100th birthday on Dec. 9.
“Warren Beatty upholds the highest artistic standards of the film industry,” Douglas says.“His choice of material has entertained us as well as made us think more deeply about the world we live in. I’m delighted he is accepting this recognition of his extraordinary talent.”
Douglas has not attended the ceremony in recent years, but you have to wonder if that’s part of the plan considering how close it is to Douglas’ landmark birthday.
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Beatty is an Oscar winning director, producer, writer and actor who has lit up the screen since his debut in 1961’s “Splendor in the Grass.” He’s appeared in classics such as “Bonnie and Clyde,” “McCabe and Mrs. Miller” and “Shampoo.” He’s directed and starred in Oscar players such as “Heaven Can Wait,” “Reds,” “Bugsy” and “Dick Tracy.” After a 15-year absence he returns to the big screen as Howard Hughes in the long awaited “Rules Don’t Apply” which opens AFI Fest on Nov. 10. ‘Apply’ will hit theaters across the country on Nov. 23.
Previous recipients of the honor include Harrison Ford, Jessica Lange, Forest Whitaker, Robert DeNiro and Michael Douglas. Last year’s honoree was Jane Fonda who was campaigning at the time for her role in “Youth.” This event has been a good way for contenders to get in front of Academy members in the Santa Barbara area before SBIFF’s formal festival after nominations are announced. The 32nd annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place from Wednesday, February 1st through Saturday, February 11th.