Tribute to Geofery Rush (Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Montecito Award)

Reviewed By Charles Starr. Viewed at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2011

On February 1st, 2011 I had the pleasure of attending an evening in honor of Geoffrey Rush, one of modern film’s greatest actors. Seated in the front row, I was able to see Geoffrey up close along with attendees William Baldwin, Christopher Lloyd, Helena Bonham Carter, and Colin Firth. For me, the best part of the evening was the interview lead by Pete Hammond.

For a large portion of the evening, Geoffrey responded to several interview questions relating to the events that lead him to his current place in the film industry. He told many stories of his days at university studying theater, and of his near nervous breakdown towards the beginning of his career. He seemed to discuss both his personal and professional life with an ease and confidence that created a relaxed atmosphere. Various clips were shown of the many critically acclaimed films he has been in such as “Shine” the film for which he received an Academy Award, “Quills”, “Shakespeare In Love”, “Pirates of the Carribbean”, “The Life and Death of Peter Sellers”, and most recently “The King’s Speech”.

After the interview Colin Firth spoke about Geoffrey, his co-star in “The King’s Speech”. The audience enjoyed a few chuckles as Colin spoke of his love and admiration for Geoffrey, and told several anecdotal stories of their interactions on set. Next, he presented Geoffrey with the Montecito Award, an award created to recognize a career of quality, stand-out performances that Geoffrey has no doubt earned. Geoffrey appeared to be rather humbled and made a relatively short acceptance speech. In his speech, he addressed the media’s fascination with celebrity and his frustration that celebrity distracts from one’s talent or lack thereof.

When Geoffrey completed his speech, the director of “The King’s Speech”, Tom Hooper, walked on stage to present the Santa Barbara Independent Film Festival’s first ever Ensemble Award to Geoffrey, Colin Firth, and Helena Bonham Carter. The audience, once again, gave a big cheer and the three spoke briefly again and expressed their gratitude. Geoffrey, still maintaining a strong interest in stage acting, made a quick exit to catch a plane back to New York– he had a play to perform in.

Over all, it was a very enjoyable evening and I feel the audience would agree in calling it an overwhelming success. Geoffrey Rush is arguably one of the best actors in modern times and it was nice to see him recognized as such.