Stellan Skarsgård Honored with Montecito Award at Santa Barbara Film Festival

The acclaimed actor was recognized for his acclaimed performance in the film "Sentimental Value".

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Veteran actor Stellan Skarsgård was presented with the prestigious Montecito Award at the 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Wednesday. The award recognized Skarsgård's widely praised performance in the film "Sentimental Value", in which he plays a reclusive director seeking reconciliation with his estranged daughters.

Why it matters

Skarsgård is a highly respected and acclaimed actor with a long and diverse career spanning film, television, and theater. The Montecito Award is a significant honor that recognizes his outstanding body of work and impact on the industry.

The details

During the award ceremony, a conversation moderated by journalist Anne Thompson traced Skarsgård's impressive filmography, from acclaimed dramas like "Breaking the Waves" and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" to blockbuster franchises like "Pirates of the Caribbean" and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His performance in "Sentimental Value" was particularly singled out, with the film's director Joachim Trier and co-star Elle Fanning in attendance to celebrate the actor's achievement.

  • The 41st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival took place on February 11, 2026.
  • Skarsgård received the Montecito Award at the festival on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Stellan Skarsgård

A veteran Swedish actor known for his acclaimed performances in films like "Breaking the Waves", "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", and "Sentimental Value".

Roger Durling

The Executive Director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Joachim Trier

The director of the film "Sentimental Value", in which Skarsgård starred.

Elle Fanning

Skarsgård's co-star in the film "Sentimental Value".

Anne Thompson

The journalist who moderated the conversation about Skarsgård's career during the award ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“I've been a big fan of Stellan since his work in Lars von Trier's Breaking the Waves. He makes it look easy to embody both complex protagonists and nuanced villains with gravitas and an ability to convey profound emotional depth.”

— Roger Durling, Executive Director, Santa Barbara International Film Festival (edhat.com)

“In my 42 years in the industry, only a handful of actors have ever left me tongue-tied—and Skarsgård is one of them. He continues to remind us what happens when a performance creeps into your psyche and stays with you.”

— Josh Brolin (edhat.com)

What’s next

Skarsgård's performance in "Sentimental Value" has generated significant Oscar buzz, and the film has been selected as Norway's official submission for Best International Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony.

The takeaway

Stellan Skarsgård's career-spanning award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival underscores his enduring status as one of the most respected and versatile actors of his generation, with the ability to captivate audiences across a wide range of genres and roles.