
Javier Bardem receives the Montecito Award Tribute presented to him by Woody Harrelson at the Santa Barbara Film Festival on Monday.

Cate Blanchett is honored.

Norman Jewison and Leonard Maltin.

Abigail Breslin and Spencer Breslin at the 'Definitely, Maybe' after-party.

'Definitely, Maybe' director Adam Brooks with film's Ryan Reynolds.

Julie Christie and Leonard Maltin at the Lobero Theater.

Ryan Gosling holds tight to his award.

Norman Jewison with fest exec Roger Durling.
A pair of Oscar-nominated actresses were the toast of the town as the Santa Barbara Film Festival kicked off with tributes to
Julie Christie and
Cate Blanchett this past weekend. In separate conversations with critic
Leonard Maltin, the women reflected on their craft.
Christie spoke admiringly about helmer
Sarah Polley, who talked her into doing "Away From Her" over Christie's strenuous objections. "I didn't want to do it at first because I thought somebody else would do it better," she said. "I think maybe I was wrong."
On Saturday night at the Arlington Theater, a pregnant Blanchett received the festival's Modern Master Award from helmer
Todd Haynes. Blanchett quipped that she'd gotten her first break in "Paradise Road" because she fit the bill for a "cheap and cheerful Australian actress." Haynes touched on her recent legit helming debut (Sydney Theater Company's "Blackbird"), saying, "When Cate Blanchett starts directing, it's over for all of us."
The week's festivities have also included the bow of "Definitely, Maybe" and tributes to
Javier Bardem and
Ryan Gosling. Others in attendance included fest exec director
Roger Durling and jurors
Shohreh Aghdashloo and
Domenica Cameron Scorsese. Fest ends Sunday.
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