Adam Sandler to Receive Maltin Modern Master Award at Santa Barbara Film Fest

In the lead-up to the release of the musical drama Kiss of the Spider Woman, acclaimed director Bill Condon sat down for an in-depth discussion about the state of the movie musical industry. Condon, an Academy Award winner for his work on Gods and Monsters, has a long history of directing and writing musicals, including the hit Dreamgirls and the live-action Beauty and the Beast.

During the interview, Condon shared his insights on the challenges facing the genre, noting that "musicals have been dying since they were invented." He also discussed his upcoming projects, including a film about music icon George Clinton and his alter ego Dr. Punkenstein, as well as a movie centered on the controversial album Graceland from Paul Simon and Hugh Masekela.

Separately, it was announced that actor Adam Sandler will be honored with the prestigious Maltin Modern Master Award at the upcoming Santa Barbara Film Festival. Sandler's latest film, the musical adaptation Kiss of the Spider Woman, has struggled to find a large audience during its initial theatrical run, but the filmmakers remain hopeful that it will gain traction as awards season progresses.

In a related development, the film's star, Tonatiuh, will be presented with the Breakthrough Actor award at the Critics Choice Celebration of Latino Cinema & Television in Beverly Hills. The movie, which features a nearly all-Latino cast, marks the first time that Jennifer Lopez has appeared in a traditional movie musical.