Cynthia Erivo to receive Kirk Douglas Award at Santa Barbara Film fest

Acclaimed stage and screen star Cynthia Erivo, an Oscar nominee and Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner, will be feted with an award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.

On Tuesday, Aug. 19, it was announced that the Wicked star will receive the festival’s 18th annual Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film, presented by SBIFF and Michael Douglas, son of the award’s namesake.

Erivo, widely known for starring in Jon M. Chu’s recent Wicked film and its upcoming sequel Wicked: For Good, will be specially honoured for her remarkable performances.

“Cynthia Erivo is a singular talent whose depth, range, and fearless commitment to her craft embody the spirit of excellence my father championed throughout his life,” Michael Douglas said in a statement. “It’s entirely fitting that she receives the Kirk Douglas Award, which celebrates bold artistry and enduring impact in film.”

Past honourees of SBIFF’s prestigious Kirk Douglas Award include Hollywood heavyweights such as Will Ferrell, Ryan Gosling, Michelle Yeoh, Martin Scorsese, Hugh Jackman, Judi Dench, and Warren Beatty.

Other celebrated recipients are Jane Fonda, Jessica Lange, Forest Whitaker, Robert De Niro, Harrison Ford, Quentin Tarantino, Ed Harris, John Travolta, and Michael Douglas himself.

The 41st edition of the festival is scheduled to take place from February 4 to 14, 2026.

RELATED: Cynthia Erivo shares pre-performance routine to ‘feel fresh’