Actor Michael Keaton Honored At Santa Barbara International Film Festival
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival handed out its highest honor Saturday night to actor Michael Keaton.
The actor arrived at the Arlington Theatre to accept the Modern Master Award.
Fans were lined up to get a glimpse of him and score an autograph.
Keaton is getting rave reviews for his recent performance in “Birdman.”
He portrays an aging actor who once played a superhero.
The role has already earned him several awards and his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Keaton said it would mean a lot to win.
“I’ve been working hard for a long time now. It’s an honor. I would be extraordinarily grateful,” Keaton said.
Keaton’s “Multiplicity” co-star and friend Andie MacDowell attended the award ceremony to lend her support.
“He’s very talented. He’s done everything. He can do anything,” MacDowell said.
Once inside, Keaton talked to the audience and told stories about his experience as an actor.
Friends and co-stars like Jeff Bridges, Winona Ryder, Robert Duvall and Alejandro Irritu videotaped messages of support that were played for the audience.
Moderator Leonard Maltin was also honored, as Executive Director, Roger Durling, announced that the Modern Master Award will be now known as the Maltin Modern Master Award.
Keaton’s co-star and surprise guest Danny DeVito presented the newly retitled award to Keaton.
Keaton lives part-time in Santa Barbara.
“This is the place where I ride a lot, do the stand-up paddleboard thing, run on the beach. The light here in the wintertime is as good as it gets,” Keaton said.
