Variety Artisans Award shines light on filmmakers rarely in the spotlight

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-The Santa Barbara International Film Festival always makes time to celebrate the creative people behind acclaimed films.

Although Lin-Manuel Miranda is a star in his own right, he took home a Variety Artisans Award for writing the Oscar nominated song "Encanto."

A win would put him in the rare EGOT category, meaning someone who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.

Germaine Franco also took home the award for her "Encanto" score.

Other honorees include Frederic Aspiras and Goran Lundstrom  for "House of Gucci" Make-up & Hairstyling, and Tamera Deverell for "Nightmare Alley" production design, Greig Fraser for cinematography in "Dune"
and Jacqueline West and Bob Morgan for "Dune" costume design.

Paul Massey was honored for sound in "No Time to Die"

Kelly Port was honored for visual effects in "Spider-Man :No way Home" and Peter Sciberras for editing in "The Power of the Dog."

Many people on the red carpet and going to the tribute wore Ukraine flag pins and ribbons.

Germain Franco said, "If everyone could be on the same harmonious level we wouldn't be living in the world that is being destroyed at the moment."

"Dune" costume designer Bob Morgan said he stands with the people of Ukraine.

"I want them to know that we are right there with them, and we are thinking of them, and I keep them in my hearts."

Dune Cinematographer Greig Fraser said he had mixed feelings about be honored for his work during the invasion.

"You know we stand here in safe loving environment and there are people that aren't in this environment."

Many of the honorees considered it a score just to be invited to Santa Barbara for the festival.

Miranda said it was his first visit to the area.

"I watched the NBC soap opera in the eighties and this is my first time here, so I am expecting to see Robin Wright Penn and amnesia!"

Greig Fraser said, "It is fantastic. I have been here so many times on holiday, but I haven't been to the festival before."

Nearby businesses are enjoying the a boost from fans and movie makers.

Richard Yates who co-owns Opal restaurant, next door the Arlington Theatre, said they created a Greyhound drink to honor the crew of "The Power of the Dog."

They also created a drink for the stars of Belfast.

"A couple of film companies actually booked out our Parklets for receptions. We had Kenneth Branagh out here the other night, and some of folks from 'The Power of The Dog' " said Yates.

This year the green room, where stars hang out before going on stage, is also outdoors.

Up next, Penelope Cruz will be honored with the Montecito Award.

Tickets for tributes range from $18 -28 and are still available at the Arlington Box Office and online at SBIFF.org.

Proof of vaccination is required for the safety of the artists and the audience.

Masks are required inside the theatre, too.