Santa Barbara International Film Festival: One More Reason to Visit the California Coast

Santa Barbara has consistently been an idyllic destination. Known as "The American Riviera™," visitors from all regions of the world have travelled to see its expansive beaches, stunning seascapes and miraculous mountain views, as well as their truly unique restaurants and shops…not to mention a wide variety of local vineyards. The natural beauty of Santa Barbara is further enhanced by the arts and culture found within the local community.

While these features are enough to make Santa Barbara a top destination on their own, once a year they are brought to serve as a mere backdrop to the premiere event of the year, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Now in its 26th year, SBIFF serves up a plethora of celebrity tributes and films from around the world for eleven straight days. Dedicated to enriching local culture and raising consciousness of film as an art form, SBIFF features a program which includes American and World independents and documentaries, with a focus on Environmental and nature films, extreme sports and surfing films, Asian cinema, and even children's films.

SBIFF has also become an essential stop on the road to the Oscars. Each year they honor select individuals who have given stand-out performances that particular year with tributes that provide an intimate glimpse into that person's life and career.

SBIFF's track record speaks for itself, as many of their honorees have gone on to receive Oscar nominations and often times become Oscar winners. Previous honorees have included Sandra Bullock, James Cameron, Jeff Bridges, Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Javier Bardem, Kate Winslet, Will Smith, Helen Mirren, Forrest Whitaker, Clint Eastwood, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mickey Rourke, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Sean Penn, Peter Jackson, Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz, Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins and Michael Douglas.

The big names do not stop there. SBIFF offers industry panels comprised of today's Hollywood leaders. The panels for directors, producers, screenwriters and women in the industry are unlike any others, facilitating dialogue among the heaviest of hitters in the entertainment industry.

Star sightings have become commonplace during the SBIFF and honorees for this year's 26th annual Festival will not disappoint.

The historic Hotel Santa Barbara, which acts as the “hub” of the SBIFF, is conveniently located downtown on State Street near all of the theatres and offers a number of enticing packages that include film passes, meals at local dining establishments and accommodations during the SBIFF. Package options can be found by visiting the Santa Barbara Film Festival website as various hotels offer outstanding festival rates making it an easy and affordable get away.