SBIFF Names 2016 Outstanding Performers

More exciting news from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival: Brie Larson and Saoirse Ronan were each named 2016 Outstanding Performers of the Year. It’s the first time the award is being given to two actors simultaneously; the pair are being feted for their exceptional performances — Brie Larson in Room and Saoirse Ronan in Brooklyn.

“This is an incredible year for emerging talent to take center stage and showcase their abilities,” said festival executive director Roger Durling. “We’ve long been following the careers of Brie and Saoirse and their recent roles as empowered young women transcend time, place, and circumstance.”

Previous Outstanding Performer Award recipients include Steve Carell, Cate Blanchett, and Jennifer Lawrence.

The award presentation takes place Monday, February 8, at the Arlington Theatre. The SBIFF runs February 3-13. For more information and to purchase tickets, festival passes, and packages, see sbiff.org.