Santa Barbara International Film Festival honors Ralph Fiennes with Performer of the Year Award

“Conclave” star and presumed Oscar Best Actor nominee Ralph Fiennes will receive the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award at the 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, festival organizers announced on Wednesday.

“Ralph Fiennes is one of the most gifted actors working in both cinema and theatre and has bequeathed us with so many memorable and extraordinary performances. He outdoes himself in “Conclave” – bestowing us with what may be the best work in his already legendary career” noted SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling in a statement.

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The honor will take place on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Fiennes is among the top contenders to receive a Best Actor nomination thanks to his work in the Edward Berger papal thriller. If nominated, it would be his third overall. Fiennes was previously nominated by the Academy for “Schindler’s List” in the Best Supporting Actor category, and “The English Patient” in the Best Actor category. He hasn’t been nominated since 1997.

Several top actors and former Oscar nominees have been selected for the Performer of the Year Award honor at SBIFF over the years, including Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Will Smith, 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.

“Conclave” is out in theaters now via Focus Features.

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