SBIFF - Clint Eastwood, Modern Master Award

Clint Eastwood made a grand entrance last night as the recipient of the 2008 Modern Master Award.  Dropped off outside of the Arlington Theatre, Clint made his way through the unsuspecting crowd and climbed over the railing to get to the red carpet with his adoring fans cheering wildly.

Leave it to Clint to "hop the fence" to get to his own award ceremony.

Prior to Mr. Eastwood's arrival, the moderator of the evening, Leonard Maltin, proved to be a gracious guest on the red carpet as he stopped and spoke with all reporters. One San Marcos High school student asked him who he wishes he could have interviewed but never had the chance and Mr. Maltin replied with Walt Disney. Sean Penn, on hand to present Mr. Eastwood with the award forewent the opportunity to be interviewed by anxious high school students hoping for an interview.

All eyes on Clint at the Red Carpet

Inside, Leonard Maltin was his usual expert self as he took the audience on a 2 hour journey highlighting Clint's career.  From the television series, Rawhide (where Mr. Eastwood earned about $75 per week) to the current smash, Gran Torino, Clint's 50 year career is nothing short of amazing.

As a resident of Santa Barbara for over 35 years, I have never seen the Arlington Theatre so crowded.  The standing room only audience was shown scenes from the following Clint classics: For A Few Dollars More, Dirty Harry, Beguiled,  Play Misty For Me, Honky Tonk Man, In The Line of Fire, Bridges of Madison County, Unforgiven, Mystic River, and Million Dollar Baby.

Sean Penn

The crowd loved the clips and truly appreciated Mr. Eastwood's humble and endearing conversation with Leonard Maltin.

Clint Eastwood and Leonard Maltin

Sean Penn did a good job presenting the Modern Master Award to Mr. Eastwood.  Penn, referring to Clint as The Man, was humbled by his presence and displayed the utmost respect and admiration for his acting and directing career.  Getting the call to play the lead in Mystic River was a career milestone for Penn--a call he truly appreciated getting.  Sean Penn, an A-List actor himself, is up for an Oscar nomination for his role as Harvey Milk.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is winding down it's 24th year but last evening, they had its biggest star ever on their stage.

SBIFF Executive Director, Roger Durling

Sean Penn presenting the Modern Master Award