The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) has announced that Angelina Jolie will be honored with the Maltin Modern Master Award at the 40th annual festival. The prestigious award, which recognizes significant contributions to the film industry, will be presented to Jolie on February 5, 2025.
Jolie's distinguished career as an actress has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Known for her versatility, she has captivated viewers with performances in films ranging from action-packed blockbusters to emotionally charged dramas. Her latest role in Maria, where she portrays the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, has earned her widespread critical acclaim. Jolie's transformation into Callas has been hailed as masterful, with critics praising her ability to embody the singer's intensity, vulnerability, and grace.
"Angelina Jolie makes bold choices, both as an actress and a director. She sets the bar high in both disciplines and always comes through. I look forward to reviewing her career with her in Santa Barbara!" said renowned film critic Leonard Maltin, for whom the award is named.
Jolie's film career includes Academy Award-winning performances and standout roles in Maleficent, Salt, and Girl, Interrupted. As a director and producer, she has delivered critically acclaimed works such as First They Killed My Father and the Oscar®-nominated Unbroken. In addition to her film work, Jolie is also a Tony Award-winning producer for the Broadway musical The Outsiders.
Beyond her contributions to the arts, Jolie has devoted over 20 years to humanitarian efforts. She has worked as an advocate for refugees and human rights, and has supported numerous global initiatives in education, healthcare, and conservation. Through her Maddox Foundation, Jolie continues to promote sustainable development in Cambodia, focusing on agriculture, education, and economic growth. She is also the founder of Atelier Jolie, an initiative empowering individuals to create sustainable fashion, and co-author of Know Your Rights and Claim Them, a guide for young people.
Established in 1995, the Modern Master Award was created to honor individuals who have enriched the cultural landscape through their contributions to the film industry. Renamed in 2015 to recognize Leonard Maltin's long-standing role as SBIFF moderator, past recipients of the award include industry legends like Jamie Lee Curtis, Denzel Washington, Cate Blanchett, and acclaimed directors like James Cameron and Christopher Nolan.
The 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival will run from February 4 to February 15, 2025. The festival, known for its engaging filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will take place across several historic venues, including the Arlington Theatre and SBIFF's newly renovated Film Center. Attendees can look forward to screenings of over 200 films from around the world, many of which will make their World or U.S. premieres.
Passes for the 2025 festival are now available at sbiff.org. The full film lineup and schedule will be announced in January 2025.
Filed Under: angelina jolie, maltin modern master award, sbiff
