Actor, writer, producer and comedy legend Will Ferrell will be receiving the 17th annual Kirk Douglas Award For Excellence in Film. The prestigious award, which benefits Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s year-round educational programs, will be presented on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at a Black-Tie dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara.

“Comedy is the hardest and you make it look easy Will. Congratulations! Dad loved you!” stated Michael Douglas.

Since 2006, the annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film has been awarded to a lifelong contributor to cinema through their work in front of the camera, behind, or both. Past honorees are Ryan Gosling, Michelle Yeoh, Martin Scorsese, Hugh Jackman, Dame Judi Dench, Warren Beatty, Jane Fonda, Jessica Lange, Forest Whitaker, Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Harrison Ford, Quentin Tarantino, Ed Harris, and John Travolta.