On Friday 25th January, actor Ben Affleck received the 'Modern Masters Award' in Santa Barbara during the 28th Santa Barbara International Film Festival at the Arlington Theater for excellence and outstanding achievement in his prolific career as actor/writer/producer/director and for the recent grand achievement of 'Argo' (2012).

Affleck's best friend since childhood, Matt Damon, presented the award to him after making a moving speech about his pride for having shared so much of his journey with Ben as well as for his most recent success on his Oscar-worthy film 'Argo'. The two have been friends since childhood and have been on the journey together from the start of their acting careers when they were only 14 years-old in NY when all they had was each other and the NY stage.

As an audience of 2000 looked on, tears were shed when Matt handed Ben the award. Ben said this of his success: "The most important thing I've learned is that mastery is only through partnership."

Written by Vanessa McMahon

The 28th SBIFF runs from 24 Jan-3rd Feb. For information, log onto: http://www.sbiff.org

Ben Affleck with moderator Leonard Maltin at 28th SBIFF.

All photos by Benjamin Schwartz.