Steve Carell is already pinning down awards for his leading role in “Foxcatcher.”
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival named the typically comedic actor as its 2015 Outstanding Performer of the Year Award. Carell will be honored on Friday, Feb. 6, 2015.
In drama “Foxcatcher,” Carell plays John du Pont, a millionaire wrestling financier, who helped Mark Schultz train for the 1998 Olympic Games in Seoul.
SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling commented, “He’s made us laugh for so many years with his great comedic abilities, but he shows this year that his range and artistry runs deep with his career-changing performance in Foxcatcher. He is unrecognizable physically and emotionally.”
Previous award honorees include: Cate Blanchett (2014), Jennifer Lawrence (2013), Viola Davis (2012), James Franco (2011), Colin Firth (2010), Penelope Cruz (2009), Angelina Jolie (2008), Helen Mirren (2007), Heath Ledger (2006), Kate Winslet (2005) and Charlize Theron (2004).
The 30th edition of the film fest runs from Jan. 27 through Feb. 7. SBIFF offers 200+ films, tributes and symposiums that range from American indie films to world cinema.