The Santa Barbara International Film Festival kicked off yesterday—on the same day that the academy announced its Oscar nominations further south in Beverly Hills. To the delight of organizers of the growing program, led by festival director Roger Durling, 27 nominees will make appearances during the event's 11-day run, which goes until February 1.
The program kicked off last night with a screening of Rod Lurie's political drama Nothing But the Truth at the Arlington Theatre, followed by an after-party at the Paseo Nuevo mall, which publicist Carol Marshall described as having been transformed into something like "a movie fantasy set." (Last year, rain forced the party to move to an area adjacent to the Arlington.) Local eateries including CPK, Marmalade Café, Chipotle, Pascucci, Left at Albuquerque, Pinkberry, and Crush Cupcakes provided food for the meandering guests. Roblar Winery and Chopin Potato Vodka sponsored the bars.
Among the festival's upcoming events are the Montecito award given to Kate Winslet tonight; the Lucky Brand Modern Master award given to Clint Eastwood on January 29; and the American Riviera award given to Mickey Rourke on January 31, all at the Arlington Theatre.
The festival will screen more than 200 films, including 21 world premieres and 29 U.S. premieres.
