John Malkovich to Receive SBIFF Outstanding Performer of the Year Award

John Malkovich will receive the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award at the 42nd annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, running Feb. 3-13. The festival honors him for his lead performance in Martin McDonagh's "Wild Horse Nine."

The film has already screened at the Telluride, Toronto and Venice film festivals. Venice awarded Malkovich its Best Actor prize. "Wild Horse Nine" opens in theaters Nov. 6.

In the film, Malkovich stars alongside Sam Rockwell as two CIA agents traveling from Santiago to Easter Island the day before the 1973 Chilean coup.

What did the festival say?

SBIFF executive director Roger Durling praised the performance in strong terms.

"A legendary actor gives this year in 'Wild Horse Nine' his best performance to date in which he combines pathos, volatility, vulnerability and tenderness," Durling said.

"It's a high wire act that shows us what a commanding artist he is and we are thrilled to be honoring him with our Outstanding Performer of the Year Award," he added.

What are Malkovich's recent credits?

The actor, who also directs and produces, has kept a busy slate:

• "Sacrifice," opposite Salma Hayek and Anya Taylor-Joy
• "In the Hand of Dante," with Oscar Isaac and Al Pacino
• The Apple TV series "Bad Monkey"
• The Amazon Prime thriller "Bishop," currently in production

Malkovich previously won an Emmy Award for "Death of a Salesman" and earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor, for "Places in the Heart" and "In the Line of Fire."

Who has won the award before?

The Outstanding Performer of the Year award recognizes exceptional performances in film. Past recipients include:

• Michael B. Jordan
• Ralph Fiennes
• Bradley Cooper
• Margot Robbie
• Ryan Gosling
• Emma Stone
• Jennifer Lawrence
• Viola Davis
• Angelina Jolie
• Helen Mirren
• Heath Ledger

The Santa Barbara tribute, timed weeks after "Wild Horse Nine" reaches theaters on Nov. 6, positions Malkovich squarely in this season's awards conversation.