Golden Globe and Actor Award winner and Academy Award-nominee Emily Blunt will receive SBIFF’s 19th annual Kirk Douglas Award For Excellence in Film. The prestigious award, named after screen legend Kirk Douglas, benefits the film festival’s year-round educational programs and will be presented on Thursday, December 10 at a black-tie dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara.

“Emily Blunt takes risks most actors wouldn’t dare – moving between drama, comedy, and blockbuster spectacle with the same precision and commitment,” said Michael Douglas. “That range and authenticity are exactly what the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film was created to celebrate. We’re proud to honor her,” he added.The Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film is SBIFF’s annual black tie fundraiser with all proceeds going to SBIFF’s Educational Programs. The event includes a cocktail reception during the red carpet arrivals followed by a dinner and tribute to the honoree. The tribute includes clip packages of the honorees work presented by several celebrity guests and concluding with the presentation of the award to the honoree.

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 Cynthia Erivo, Will Ferrell, 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.