Will Ferrell was honored with the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The event took place at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, located in the picturesque “American Riviera” of Santa Barbara, just north of Los Angeles. The award has been presented annually since 2006 to celebrate outstanding contributions to the film industry.
Ferrell, known for his work in hit comedy films such as “Elf,” “Anchorman,” and “Step Brothers,” was praised by his colleagues and friends at the gala dinner. The event also raised funds for the festival’s educational programs. Previous recipients of the award include Ryan Gosling, Martin Scorsese, and Jane Fonda.
Michael Douglas, son of the award’s namesake, congratulated Ferrell on his achievement, noting that his father, Kirk Douglas, was a fan of the actor. Ferrell’s impact on the comedy genre was recognized by SBIFF executive director Roger Durling, who described him as “the king of American comedy.”
In addition to his film work, Ferrell recently produced a Netflix documentary called “Will & Harper,” which follows his road trip with a friend who came out as trans. The film has been praised for its profound impact and life-saving potential.
During the event, Ferrell shared personal anecdotes about his connection to Santa Barbara, including getting married there 24 years ago. He also reflected on a moment from his time at USC where Kirk Douglas inspired him to pursue storytelling.
In a more serious note, Ferrell thanked the festival for recognizing the importance of comedy in film, emphasizing the hard work that goes into making people laugh. Overall, the evening was a celebration of Ferrell’s comedic legacy and contributions to the industry.
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