Santa Barbara Fest Honoring Hoffman, Watts, Ledger

Actors Philip Seymour Hoffman, Naomi Watts, and Heath Ledger will be honored at the 21st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, along with director James Cameron. As previously announced, George Clooney will be at the festival to receive the Modern Master Award. Hoffman, currently starring in "Capote," will receive 'The Riviera Award' on February 11th for an actor who has influenced American cinema. Watts, starring in the upcoming "King Kong," will receive the Montecito Award recognizing a performer who has given classic and standout performances, on February 4th. Ledger will be honored with the 'Breakthrough Performance of the Year' awardon February 8th, for his performance in "Brokeback Mountain." James Cameron will receive a tribute this year and for his contributions to nature filmmaking will he honored with the Attenborough Award for Excellence in Nature Filmmaking. This year's festival will run from February 2 - 12, 2006 in Santa Barbara. [Eugene Hernandez]