In recognition of his contributions to the world of film, the Santa Barbara International Film Festival is honored to present the third annual KIRK DOUGLAS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILM to esteemed actor/director Ed Harris.

The award will be presented to Harris on Thursday, October 2. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival will host the black-tie Gala dinner at the The Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara and will feature a look at Mr. Harris’s illustrious career. A few special guests will be on-hand to assist in honoring a man who demonstrates the strength, conviction and dedication that he puts into every role.

“Ed Harris is an actor's actor,” commented Roger Durling, SBIFF Executive Director. “His already legendary performances are passionate, thoughtful and so committed - qualities that he shares with Kirk Douglas. What an evening this is going to be!”

The award’s namesake, Kirk Douglas, will present the award to Harris, a four-time Academy Award® nominee known for memorable performances in such films as “The Hours,” “Apollo 13,” “A History of Violence,” “The Right Stuff,” “Places in the Heart,” “The Truman Show,” “The Rock,” “Glengarry Glen Ross,” “Gone Baby Gone” and “Pollock,” the film that not only marked his widely-praised directorial debut, but gave Harris his third Academy Award® nomination for his portrayal of artist Jackson Pollock and the Best Supporting Actress Oscar to co-star Marcia Gay Harden.

His next feature film, the highly anticipated “Appaloosa,” not only puts Harris in front of the camera but also back at the director’s helm. Harris also co-wrote the screenplay with Robert Knott and co-produced the film. Harris continues to raise the bar in not only the level of excellence but also in the creative process. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival, set to run January 22 through February 1, 2009, is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching local culture and raising consciousness of film as an art form. The SBIFF presents quality American and world independent films, Latin American and Asian sidebars as well as documentary cinema within the beautiful setting of downtown Santa Barbara, a premier tourist destination. The SBIFF is also committed to education through its Student Filmmaking and Screenwriting Competitions, Field Trip to the Movies, and educational seminars. With a projected audience of over 60,000 viewing more than 200 films over its eleven-day run, the SBIFF attracts an affluent local and national consumer base, while maintaining strong ties with the entertainment industry in nearby Los Angeles.