The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) was excited to announce the award-winning films for the 38th edition of the iconic film festival. We caught up with the stars on the red carpet to celebrate this year’s big wins.
Award Winners for 2023:
Audience Choice Award sponsored by The Santa Barbara Independent: 26.2 TO LIFE Directed by Christine Yoo
Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema: I LIKE MOVIES Directed by Chandler Levack
Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award – Best International Feature Film: A MAN (ARU OTOKO) Directed by Kei Ishikawa
Best Documentary Award: A BUNCH OF AMATEURS Directed by Kim Hopkins
Nueva Vision Award for Spain/Latin America Cinema: MANUELA Directed by Clara Cullen
Best Middle Eastern/Israeli Film Award: THE TASTE OF APPLES IS RED (TA’AM AL TUFAH, AHMAR) Directed by Ehab Tarabieh
Best Nordic Film Award: SUMMERLIGHT AND THEN COMES THE NIGHT (SUMARLJÓS OG SVO KEMUR NÓTTIN) Directed by Elfar Aðalsteins
Social Justice Award for Documentary Film: BLACK MAMBAS Directed by Lena Karbe
ADL Stand Up Award, sponsored by ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties, the Skinner Social Impact Fund, and Steve & Cindy Lyons: THE QUIET GIRL (AN CAILÍN CIÚIN) Directed by Colm Bairéad
Best Documentary Short Film Award: NOWHERE TO GO BUT EVERYWHERE (行き止まりのむこう側) Directed by Masako Tsumura, Erik Shirai
Bruce Corwin Award – Best Live-Action Short Film: THE MOISTURE (RUTUBET) Directed by Turan Haste *Now eligible for the 2024 Academy Awards
Bruce Corwin Award – Best Animated Short Film: EPICENTER (소문의 진원지) Directed by Heeyoon Hahm *Now eligible for the 2024 Academy Awards
The 38th Santa Barbara International Film Festival took place LIVE February 8 – February 18, 2023. Official events included screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre.