The Arlington Theatre was host to this year’s Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Virtuosos Awards. Bright lights and screaming fans greeted black sedans that delivered the seven 2015 awardees and their respective entourages.
Rosamund Pike stunned the crowd as she took to the events red carpet wearing a sleek black gown with subtle ruffles. Santa Barbara local and the presenter of awards Christopher Loyd was a fan favorite on the red carpet. Logan Lerman of the film Fury and Boy Hood’s star Ellar Coltrane seemed to enjoy meeting with fans and reporters before being escorted back to the events green room.
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- Rosamund Pike
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- Ellar Coltrane
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- Logan Lerman
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- J.K. Simmons
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- David Oyelowo
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- Roger Durling
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- Dave Karger
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- On stage with Chadwick Boseman
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- On stage with Ellar Coltran
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- On Stage with Logan Lerman
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- On Stage with David Oyelowo
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- On Stage with Rosamund Pike
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- On Stage with J.K. Simmons
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- On Stage with Jenny Slate
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- Christoper Loyd
Golden Globe Winner J.K. Simmons who was being recognized for his role as an obsessed drum instructor in Whiplash stopped and shared his feelings about the New England Patriots Super Bowl victory which had just occurred moments earlier. “Just tragic, just tragic” he told me. The game results did not seem to ruin his evening as he was relaxed and talkative with the crowd. He even went on to explain his scene during which he slapped Miles Teller several times, joking that if you met Miles Teller, you knew he deserved every slap.
During the ceremony each Virtuoso awardee was interviewed on stage by host Dave Karger of Fandango. Chadwick Boseman shared how he prepared for his role playing rock n roll icon James Brown in the film Get on Up.
“My sister cared enough about me to tell me that I can’t dance and I shouldn’t take this role. She was amazed when she attended a rehearsal and witnessed how hard I had worked and how I was preparing for the film.”
Chad also mentioned his upcoming role in Marvels Black Panther movie but was careful not to reveal any details.
Selma star David Oyelowo captivated the audience with his humor, British accent and humility. His role as Dr. Martin Luther King J.R. in the film Selma was the center of controversy amongst the Hollywood film industry. Many felt that Oyelowo’s performance was worthy of an Oscar nomination. David’s explanation for not being nominated drew a long and heart felt applause from the audience.
Jenny Slate stood out amongst the other awardees in a bright, yellow, flowered dress and a smile that was equally bright. Her excitement radiated to the crowd causing us to giggle or gasp with every answer she gave. Formerly a Stand Up comedian, her Virtuoso award was for her starring role in Obvious Child. Obvious child addresses the issue of abortion in America and was a box office hit.
The evening was wrapped up when all seven actors where invited back onto the stage together for a group Q & A led by David Karger. Christopher Loyd presented each of them with their awards concluding the ceremony. I would encourage anyone who has ever seen a movie, to attend this event next year. You will be in for a treat.
Congratulations to the 2015 Santa Barbara Film Festival Awardees:
Chadwick Boseman, Ellar Coltrane, Logan Lerman, David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, J.K. Simmons, and Jenny Slate
Q & A and award presentation
