The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is thrilled to welcome back three-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening by bestowing her with the American Riviera Award. Bening, who has received critical acclaim this year for her performances in The Kids Are All Right and Mother and Child, will be honored at the Arlington Theatre on Friday, January 28 for the Fest’s 26th edition, which runs January 27- February 6, 2011. Bening was previously honored in 2005.

“I fell in love with Annette Bening the moment I saw her on Broadway in Coastal Disturbances in 1987," commented SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling. “It was one of those ‘a star is born’ moments. Ever since, she's been one of my favorite actresses, and she will always have a home here at the festival.”

The American Riviera Award was established to recognize an actor who has had a strong influence on American Cinema. Bening will join an illustrious group of past recipients: Sandra Bullock (10), Mickey Rourke (09), Tommy Lee Jones (08), Forrest Whitaker (07), Philip Seymour Hoffman (06), Kevin Bacon (05) and Diane Lane (04).

In her most recent performance as Nic in The Kids Are All Right, she expertly navigated through a vast range of emotions, bringing to light and life the non-traditional family with a character determined to keep her family together. Earlier this year in Mother and Child saw Bening personify a very different character in Karen who was isolated and distant in her relationships with everyone. Proving yet again that she is not one to shy away from a challenge, she took on two diametrically opposed versions of the modern day mother.

From her work in romantic comedies such as The American President and American Beauty, to her dramatic and compelling performances in Being Julia, Regarding Henry and The Grifters, Bening consistently embraces the story as well as the character adding a level of authenticity rarely seen on screen. She has time and again made a significant contribution to the world of films and of America throughout her career.

The festivities will take place at the historic Arlington Theatre on Friday, January 28, 2011. Tickets for the American Rivera Award are available now, discounted 20% until November 30 and can be purchased through www.sbfilmfestival.org or by calling 805-963-0023. Mini-Paks for the festival are currently discounted at 20%, while Festival Passes and Packages are currently discounted at 15% and on sale exclusively at www.sbfilmfestival.org and 805-963-0023.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival, presented by lynda.com, is set to run January 27 - February 6, 2011. Now in its 26th year, SBIFF is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching local culture and raising consciousness of film as an art form and continues to be an essential stop on the road to the Oscars. SBIFF presents quality American Independent, Spanish and Latin American, European, World and Documentary cinema, as well as nature and surf films, all within the beautiful setting of downtown Santa Barbara, a perfect backdrop and premier tourist destination. SBIFF is also committed to education through its 10-10-10 youth filmmakers project, Field Trip to the Movies, and educational seminars. With a projected audience of over 70,000 viewing more than 200 films over its eleven-day run, SBIFF attracts an eclectic and diverse consumer base, both locally and nationally, while maintaining strong ties with the entertainment industry in nearby Los Angeles. For more information, please visit www.sbfilmfestival.org.