Saturday night at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Arlington Theater was a treat for all in attendance.

Michael Keaton, while being celebrated for his body of work, is a wonderfully animated storyteller, regaling the audience with in-depth tales of his experience as an actor.

The evening began with a welcome by actress Andie MacDowell, his co-star from Multiplicity. Throughout the festivities videotaped congratulatory messages played from friends and co-stars Jeff Bridges, Winona Ryder, Robert Duvall and Alejandro Iñárritu.

The evening’s moderator, Leonard Maltin, besides being a highly-revered film critic and historian, has been a moderator and friend of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for many years. It was with great pride and excitement that Executive Director, Roger Durling, announced that from this night on, the Modern Master Award will be now known as the Maltin Modern Master Award.

Co-star and surprise guest Danny DeVito presented the newly retitled award to Keaton. DeVito spoke of their longtime friendship and collaborative efforts in films Johnny Dangerously and Batman and what fun they have when they get together and it’s surprising they get any work done.

Keaton, obviously delighted to be the recipient of the new Maltin Modern Master Award, was humble in his appreciation, professing what a great night it was and thanked everyone for coming.

SBIFF Press Release

Edited by Vanessa McMahon