Johnny Depp has been named this year’s recipient of the newly renamed Maltin Modern Master Award for the 31st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). Previously known as The Modern Master Award, it is the highest accolade presented by the SBIFF and is presented to “an individual who has enriched our culture through accomplishments in the motion picture industry.”

       SBIFF Executive Director, Roger Durling, says, “Johnny Depp is a true embodiment of a modern master. He has had a long and storied career that has shown his commitment to taking on compelling and dynamic roles. But in the gripping film BLACK MASS under the skillful direction of Scott Cooper, Johnny Depp delivers his defining performance to date.”

       The award was renamed this year to honor the long-time, well known film critic, Leonard Maltin, who moderated the event for over 25 years and will be presented on Saturday, February 6th at Santa Barbara’s historic Arlington Theater. For more information on how to get tickets click here.