Rooney Mara to get Santa Barbara Festival Vanguard Award

Los Angeles, Dec 9: Actress Rooney Mara will receive the prestigious Cinema Vanguard Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 12 next year.

The award will be presented by her “Carol” co-star Cate Blanchett, reports variety.com.

According to the festival, the Cinema Vanguard Award salutes “actors who have forged their own path – taking artistic risks and making a significant and unique contribution to film”.

Festival director Roger Durling said: “From her scene-stealing turn in ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ to her outstanding performance in his year’s ‘Carol’, Rooney has repeatedly showcased her talents as one of the most gifted actors of her generation. I truly admire the enigmatic and complex nature of her performances. She’s an adept, beguiling actor.”

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has long been a key stop on the Oscar campaign trail. So far, honourees at the upcoming event include Johnny Depp (“Black Mass”) with its Maltin Modern Master Award, Brie Larson (“Room”) and Saoirse Ronan (“Brooklyn”) with its Performers of the Year Award and Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams (“Spotlight”) as an ensemble with its American Riviera Award.

The 31st edition of the annual film gala will take place from February 3 to February 13. (IANS)