- Jacob Elordi and his Euphoria co-star Sydney Sweeney are among eight actors set to receive the prestigious Virtuosos Award.
- The award, presented by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), honors actors for their significant breakthrough performances in the past year.
- The star-studded group also includes Jeremy Allen White, Teyana Taylor, and veteran actress Amy Madigan.
- The awards ceremony will take place on February 8, 2026, as a highlight of the 41st annual festival.
Hollywood’s Brightest Get Their Due
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has officially unveiled the list of rising stars who will be honored with the highly coveted Virtuosos Award, and the names are already generating major buzz. Leading the pack are Euphoria co-stars Jacob Elordi and Sydney Sweeney, who are being recognized for their stunning and transformative film roles that have everyone talking.
This award confirms what audiences already know: these performers have delivered some of the most compelling work of the year and are poised for Hollywood greatness. The honor solidifies their status as must-watch talent, marking a pivotal moment in their careers.
The Esteemed Class of 2026
Joining Elordi and Sweeney in this elite group are six other actors who have made an undeniable impact on cinema in 2025. The complete list of honorees and their celebrated performances includes:
- Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein
- Sydney Sweeney for Christy
- Jeremy Allen White for his leading role as Bruce Springsteen in Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere
- Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another
- Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another
- Amy Madigan for her terrifying turn in Weapons
- Wagner Moura for the Brazilian film The Secret Agent
- Renate Reinsve for the Norwegian film Sentimental Value
A Legacy of Excellence
To receive the Virtuosos Award is to join an exclusive club of Hollywood A-listers who were recognized by the festival just as their careers exploded. Past recipients include icons like Zendaya, Austin Butler, Lily Gladstone, Andrew Scott, and Riz Ahmed, proving that this award is a reliable predictor of future success. Being named a Virtuoso is not just an honor; it’s a sign that an actor has truly arrived.
An Unforgettable Evening
Don’t miss the chance to see these stars celebrated. The awards will be presented on the evening of Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Santa Barbara’s historic Arlington Theater. For the 16th consecutive year, TCM host Dave Karger will moderate the event, engaging the honorees in insightful individual and group interviews before a surprise presenter hands them their awards.
In a statement, Karger praised the eclectic and impressive lineup. “We’ve got three international actors, two megastars from acclaimed television series, two breakouts from the latest Paul Thomas Anderson film, and even one veteran performer who earned an Oscar nomination 40 years ago. I can’t wait to return to Santa Barbara… and chat with them all.”
The 41st edition of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is scheduled to run from February 4-14, 2026.
Image Referance: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sydney-sweeney-jacob-elordi-santa-barbara-virtuosos-award-1236414118/