Which film won the Audience Choice Award at the 2026 SBIFF?

Steal This Story, Please, directed by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, won the Audience Choice Award at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

What countries were represented by the winning films at SBIFF 2026?

The jury winners at the 2026 SBIFF hailed from Mexico, India, Belgium, Japan, France, Italy, and Germany.

What is the significance of the films celebrated at the 2026 SBIFF?

The winning films at the 2026 SBIFF represent the best independent creatives, telling essential stories that speak eloquently about the human condition.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / SBIFF 2026 Winners Crowned: Indie Darlings Shine

SBIFF 2026 Winners Crowned: Indie Darlings Shine

14 Feb

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Summary

Steal This Story, Please won the Audience Choice Award at SBIFF.
Films from Mexico, India, Belgium, Japan, France, Italy, and Germany won.
Award-winning films explored diverse stories from Malaysia to Minneapolis.

SBIFF 2026 Winners Crowned: Indie Darlings Shine

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has concluded its 41st edition, revealing the jury's selections for 2026. "Steal This Story, Please," directed by Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, earned the Audience Choice Award during a ceremony on Saturday. The festival celebrated a wide array of independent cinema, with films from Mexico, India, Belgium, Japan, France, Italy, and Germany receiving accolades.

Programming director Claudia Puig expressed excitement in honoring "a wonderful array of winning films" that showcase contemporary independent creators. These outstanding films offer essential narratives that profoundly reflect the human condition. Winners' stories are set in diverse locales, spanning from Malaysia to Minneapolis, highlighting the global reach of independent filmmaking.

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