Adam Sandler is set to receive the Maltin Modern Master Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Feb. 5, 2026.
As part of the celebration, Sandler will join Leonard Maltin for an on-stage conversation about his work and career. His most recent film includes Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” in which he plays a manager to the fictional titular movie star, played by George Clooney.
Sandler’s honor will recognize his decorated career as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and musician spanning three decades. His credits include “Happy Gilmore 2,” “Spaceman,” “Punch Drunk-Love,” “Hustle,” “Uncut Gems” and more.
Established in 1995, the Modern Master Award was created to honor an individual who has enriched culture through accomplishments in the motion picture industry.
It was re-named the Maltin Modern Master Award in 2015 in honor of long-time Santa Barbara International Film Festival moderator and film critic Maltin.
“Adam Sandler won me over when he sang ‘The Hanukkah Song’ on SNL, then amassed a huge following in tailor-made movies like ‘The Waterboy’ and ‘The Wedding Singer,’ Maltin said in a statement. “I love that he’s left his comfort zone and delivered potent performances in ‘Uncut Gems’ and ‘Jay Kelly.’ I can’t wait to share the stage with him in Santa Barbara.”
Sandler joins a star-studded lineup of past recipients like Angelina Jolie, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, Robert Downey Jr., Denzel Washington, Cate Blanchett, George Clooney, Christopher Plummer, and acclaimed filmmakers including Christopher Nolan, James Cameron, Clint Eastwood and Peter Jackson.
More than 50 Academy Award winners and nominees were celebrated, including Zoe Saldaña, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, Monica Barbaro, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Clarence Maclin, Mikey Madison, John Magaro, Sebastian Stan, Fernanda Torres, Timothée Chalamet and others.
The event will be held throughout Santa Barbara, Calif., including at the Arlington Theatre and the forthcoming Santa Barbara International Film Festival Film Center. Taking place from Feb. 4 to Feb. 14, 2026, the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival will include screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels and celebrity tributes.
Leave a Reply