Thirty-two years after making his feature film debut, actor Ralph Fiennes will receive the Outstanding Performer of the Year by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). The festival will celebrate its fortieth anniversary in 2025. It attracts 100,000 attendees and offers 11 days of hundreds of films, tributes and symposiums.

In particular, the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award recognizes select individuals who have distinguished themselves with exceptional performances in film. Bradley Cooper was last year’s recipients of the award. This year, Fiennes is set to be honored on Thursday, February 6, 2025 for his acclaimed performance as Cardinal Lawrence in Focus Features’ Conclave. Directed by Oscar-winning director Edward Berger, Fiennes plays a Catholic Cardinal tasked with leading one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope. Throughout the process, he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church.

Conclave was released this Friday in theaters following a lauded fall festival run. The awards buzz Fiennes is generating with his latest performance is far from novel for the English thespian. Notably, he was nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe and BAFTA for his roles in both The English Patient and Schindler’s List. Fiennes won the BAFTA for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for the latter picture. Fiennes also left his mark on blockbuster hits like the Harry Potter film franchise as Lord Voldemort, and as ‘M’ in the most recent installments of the James Bond movies.

Fiennes Only One of the A-Listers Set to Attend SBIFF

SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling had the following to say about Fiennes receiving the 2025 Outstanding Performer of the Year Award:

“Ralph Fiennes is one of the most gifted actors working in both cinema and theatre and has bequeathed us with so many memorable and extraordinary performances. He outdoes himself in Conclave – bestowing us with what may be the best work in his already legendary career.”

With a mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film, the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival takes place LIVE February 4 – February 15, 2025. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, and celebrity tributes, will be held throughout the city. Passes for the 2025 Festival are on sale now at sbiff.org.

Last year, the festival had a program of 200+ films from over 48 countries with honorary awards feted on a slew of A-list stars. Look for the announcement of SBIFF’s film lineup and schedule in January 2025.