JK Simmons, Chadwick Boseman Among SBIFF Virtuoso Award Honorees

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival continues its tradition of honoring the year's standout performers by presenting The 2015 Virtuosos Award to Chadwick Boseman (Get on Up), Ellar Coltrane (Boyhood), Logan Lerman (Fury), David Oyelowo (Selma), Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl), J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) and Jenny Slate (Obvious Child), it was announced today by SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling. The Award presentation, sponsored by Travel + Leisure, will take place Sunday, February 1, 2015 at the Arlington Theatre at the 30th edition of the festival, which runs January 27 - February 7, 2015.

The Virtuosos Award was created to recognize a select group of actors who have distinguished themselves through performances in film this past year. Previous recipients for this award include Ann Dowd, Elle Fanning, Ezra Miller, Eddie Redmayne, Omar Sy, Quvenzhane Wallis, Demian Bichir, Rooney Mara, Melissa McCarthy, Shailene Woodley, Andy Serkis, Patton Oswalt, Andrew Garfield, John Hawkes, Lesley Manville, Hailee Steinfeld, Jacki Weaver, Emily Blunt, Carey Mulligan, Saoirse Ronan, Gabourey Sidibe, Michael Stuhlbarg, Casey Affleck, Marion Cotillard, VIOLA Davis, Rosemarie DeWitt, Sally Hawkins, Richard Jenkins, Melissa Leo, James McAvoy, Ellen Page, Amy Ryan, Michael Shannon, Michael B. Jordan, Brie Larson, Jared Leto, and June Squibb.

Comments Durling, "These are seven exemplary performers that provide us with undeniable EVIDENCE that 2014 was a dynamic year in acting."

The talented group of actors will be recognized for their exceptional careers, including their portrayal of some of the most memorable characters in film this year. Following his critically acclaimed performance as Jackie Robinson in 42, Chadwick Boseman brings to life James Brown's rise from extreme poverty to one of the most influential musicians in history in Get on Up. Ellar Coltrane's courageous performance in Boyhood, where we watch him grow up over the course of 12 years, charts the joys and pitfalls of a child named Mason, evoking nostalgia and self-reflection along the way. Following previous films such as Perks of Being a Wallflower and Percy Jackson, Logan Lerman comes into his own as Norman Ellison in Fury. David Oyelowo gives us a powerful performance as one of the most iconic heroes in history, Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, capturing not only King's mannerisms and physicality, but offering an intimate portrayal of the man himself. Rosamund Pike's incredible performance in GONE GIRL where she plays missing wife Amy Elliot-Dunne has earned her widespread critical acclaim. J.K. Simmons expertly embodied egomaniac bandleader Terrence Fletcher in Whiplash, adding to his already diverse body of work that spans motion picture, television, and stage. Jenny Slate offers up a stellar performance in OBVIOUS CHILD as Donna Stern, a Brooklyn standup comic who intimates with her audiences, but is closed off in her personal life.

The 2015 Virtuosos Award will take place at the Arlington Theatre on Sunday, February 1, 2015. Tickets, Festival Passes and Packages are available now and can be purchased through www.sbiff.org or by calling 805-963-0023.

Source: SBIFF