The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has announced the award-winning films for the festival’s 41st edition. Members of the jury and filmmakers attended the awards ceremony that was hosted by El Encanto hotel.
“We are thrilled to celebrate such a wonderful array of winning films that represent the best independent creatives working today,” said Claudia Puig, SBIFF programming director. “All these outstanding films tell essential stories that speak eloquently about the human condition.
“The jury winners this year hail from Mexico, India, Belgium, Japan, France, Italy and Germany, and their stories are set in scenic locales from Malaysia to Minneapolis. We are very grateful to our discerning jurors and heartily congratulate all the winning filmmakers.”
The Audience Choice Award sponsored by The Santa Barbara Independent
“Steal This Story, Please”
Directed by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal
Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema
“A Mosquito in the Ear”
Directed by Nicola Rinciari
The Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award for Best International Feature Film
“Adam’s Sake”
Directed by Laura Wandel
The Best Documentary Award
“Gaslit”
Directed by Katie Camosy
The Nueva Vision Award for Spain/Latin America Cinema
“Veresailles”
Directed by Andrés Clariond Rangel
The Best Animated Short Film Award
“Papillon”
Directed by Florence Miailhe
The Best Documentary Short Film Award
“A Short Documentary About a Giant Pencil”
Directed by Daniel Straub
The Best Live-Action Short Film Award
“AGNÈS”
Directed by Nora Arnezeder
The Social Justice Award sponsored by the Fund for Santa Barbara
“Steal This Story, Please”
Directed by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal
The ADL Stand Up Award sponsored by ADL Santa Barbara/Tri-Counties
“Bookends”
Directed by Mike Doyle
The ASC Award for Cinematography sponsored by The American Society of Cinematographers
“Lost Land”
Directed by Akio Fujimoto
The winning films were chosen by SBIFF 2026 jury members Adam Guettel, Adrien Martinez, Jordana Brewster, Joseph Novoa, Karla Quintero, Langdon Page, Marissa Chibas, Michael Patti, Tina Sawtelle and Travis Preston.