Teyana Taylor, Amy Madigan, Jacob Elordi, and More Honored as SBIFF Virtuosos

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival's Virtuosos Award ceremony celebrated a diverse group of rising talent.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 4:47pm

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The Santa Barbara International Film Festival's Virtuosos Award ceremony honored a select group of actors whose standout performances this season have propelled them into the national cinematic conversation. The honorees included Academy Award nominees Jacob Elordi, Chase Infiniti, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Amy Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku, Wagner Moura, Sydney Sweeney, and Teyana Taylor.

Why it matters

The Virtuosos Award is one of the most anticipated events of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, recognizing a diverse group of talented actors who are making waves in the industry. The ceremony provides a platform to celebrate their achievements and contributions to the art of filmmaking.

The details

The Virtuosos Award ceremony featured individual interviews with each honoree, conducted by host Dave Karger. The actors shared insights into their acclaimed performances, the filmmaking process, and the impact of their roles. Highlights included Madigan discussing her 40-year gap between Oscar nominations, Infiniti speaking about the experience of working with Leonardo DiCaprio, and Sweeney recounting the physical challenges of portraying boxer Christy Martin.

  • The Virtuosos Award ceremony took place on February 8, 2026 during the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

The players

Teyana Taylor

An Academy Award nominee for her role in the film "One Battle After Another" and a former teen pop star who is preparing to direct her first film, "Get Lite", starring Storm Reid.

Amy Madigan

An Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Twice in a Lifetime" 40 years ago, and now nominated for Best Actress for her performance in "Weapons".

Jacob Elordi

An Academy Award nominee for his role in the film "Frankenstein", who grew up enamored with monsters and dragons and was excited to work with David Bradley, who played Argus Filch in the Harry Potter film series.

Chase Infiniti

An up-and-coming actress making her film debut in "One Battle After Another" opposite Leonardo DiCaprio, which she described as a "masterclass".

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas

An Academy Award nominee for her role in the film "Sentimental Value", who spoke about the trust and vulnerability fostered by the film's director, Joachim Trier.

Wunmi Mosaku

An Academy Award nominee for her role in the film "Sinners", who discussed the film's themes of remembering one's ancestors and the power of passing on one's artistry to future generations.

Wagner Moura

The first Brazilian actor to be nominated for Best Actor for his role in "The Secret Agent", which he described as a film about politics and international resonance.

Sydney Sweeney

An actress recognized for her role in the film "Christy", which chronicled the rise of former professional boxer Christy Martin and the attempted murder of her by her coach-turned-husband.

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What they’re saying

“Even being in room with him was the biggest masterclass.”

— Chase Infiniti, Actress

“Such a trusting and caring director brings out more vulnerability.”

— Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Actress

“I can't believe that my friend is Filch.”

— Jacob Elordi, Actor

“There's no way this is real.”

— Sydney Sweeney, Actress

“That's the real message, is remembering that you're going to be a future ancestor one day. And so what are you going to do with that, with your gift, with your heart, because it will remember. It will make it in the future, because those people who pour into me, those ancestors, their power, their purpose, their artistry, pour into me. And I will one day be pouring into the future.”

— Wunmi Mosaku, Actress

The takeaway

The Virtuosos Award ceremony at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrated a diverse and talented group of actors whose standout performances have earned them recognition and acclaim. The event provided a platform to highlight their contributions to the art of filmmaking and their potential for continued success in the industry.