“King Richard” stars Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis honored with Outstanding Performance of the Year Award at SBIFF

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Will Smith and Aunjanue Ellis will be honored at an in-person conversation about their cinematic careers leading up to their outstanding performances in this year’s “King Richard”.  

The movie has been nominated for five Oscars' categories including Best Picture.

The movie tells the real story of Richard Williams and how the poor man did everything he could to turn his twin daughters Venus and Serena Williams into internationally recognized tennis legends.

The award will be presented by Manitou Fund

Past recipients of this award have included Sacha Baron Cohen, Adam Driver, Rami Malek, Margot Robbie and Allison Janney, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, Brie Larson and Saoirse Ronan, Steve Carell, Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lawrence, Viola Davis, James Franco, Colin Firth, Penelope Cruz, Angelina Jolie, Helen Mirren, Heath Ledger, Kate Winslet and Charlize Theron.

The red carpet kicks off at the Arlington Theatre at 6:30 pm and the ceremony starts at 8 pm.