The Santa Barbara Film Festival's 12th annual Variety Artisans Awards is set to celebrate the remarkable talents behind the scenes of cinema, honoring individuals who bring extraordinary artistic vision and technical prowess to the big screen. This event shines a light on the often-unsung heroes of filmmaking, recognizing their pivotal role in creating captivating cinematic experiences.
Celebrating Cinematic Craftsmanship: A Night of Honors for Film's Unseen Masters
Recognizing Outstanding Contributions in Film Craft
The upcoming 12th annual Variety Artisans Awards, an integral part of the Santa Barbara Film Festival, is poised to acknowledge the exceptional craftspeople whose work elevates the art of filmmaking. Luminaries such as Oscar-nominated artists EJAE, known for "KPop Demon Hunters"; Jack Fisk, recognized for "Marty Supreme"; and Alexandre Desplat, celebrated for his score in "Frankenstein," are among those slated to receive accolades.
The Prestigious Santa Barbara Film Festival Gathering
Scheduled for February 7th at the historic Arlington Theater, the Artisans Awards ceremony will be a highlight of the Santa Barbara Film Festival. This prestigious event serves as a platform to honor the creative minds and technical experts who contribute significantly to the year's most impactful films, fostering discussions and appreciation for their invaluable contributions.
Engaging Dialogues with Industry Innovators
The evening's program will feature intimate, one-on-one conversations with the honorees, providing unique insights into their creative processes and professional journeys. These discussions will culminate in a broader panel debate, expertly guided by Variety's senior artisans editor, Jazz Tangcay, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the diverse crafts celebrated.
Championing the Diverse Disciplines of Film Production
Variety's unwavering commitment to recognizing the artisans of cinema is evident in this event, which spans a wide array of film disciplines. Categories such as cinematography, costume design, editing, makeup, production design, sound editing and mixing, and visual effects will all be celebrated, underscoring the comprehensive nature of film artistry.
A Testament to Collaborative Artistry and Vision
Roger Durling, the esteemed director of the film festival, emphasized the event's significance, stating that it commemorates the profound power of filmmaking. He highlighted cinema as a collaborative art form, where a shared vision is brought to life by numerous artists. Durling expressed pride in the partnership with Variety, which makes this special evening possible, celebrating the best of this year's cinematic achievements.
An Extraordinary Year for Film Enthusiasts
Jazz Tangcay reflected on the current cinematic landscape, describing it as an extraordinary period for moviegoers and film enthusiasts. She conveyed her gratitude to Roger Durling for their collaboration in assembling such a distinguished group of craftspeople. Tangcay eagerly anticipates the opportunity to once again showcase their incredible artistry in Santa Barbara and to engage in enlightening conversations.
The Esteemed List of 2026 Artisan Honorees
The distinguished individuals who will be honored at the 2026 Variety Artisans Awards include Alexandre Desplat for Original Score in "Frankenstein," EJAE for Original Song "Golden" from "KPOP Demon Hunters," Jack Fisk for Production Design in "Marty Supreme," Kate Hawley for Costume Design in "Frankenstein," Mike Hill for Makeup in "Frankenstein," Andy Jurgensen for Editing in "One Battle After Another," Al Nelson for Sound Editing in "F1," Adolpho Veloso for Cinematography in "Train Dreams," Eric Saindon for Visual Effects in "Avatar: Fire and Ash," and Chris Welcker for Sound Mixing in "Sinners."
A Legacy of Artistic Recognition
The Variety Artisan Awards have a rich history of recognizing outstanding talent. Past recipients include Kris Bowers for "The Wild Robot," Billie Eilish and Finneas for "Barbie," Ludwig Goransson for "Oppenheimer," Mark Bridges for "Phantom Thread," Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for "Mank," Mia Neal for "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom," Ruth Carter for "Black Panther," and Sandy Powell for "The Irishman." This ongoing tradition underscores the enduring importance of celebrating the artistic and technical brilliance that shapes the world of film.
