Montecito Award

by Emma Zavala

Last night, February 9th, Sylvester Stallone was awarded the Montecito Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Stallone, awarded for his recent role in Creed, has appeared in many movies such as Rocky, Rambo, Copland, Tango and Crash, F.I.S.T., and many more. He has also been nominated for the Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay during the Academy Awards. His most recent nomination is his Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Creed.

Presenting the award to Mr. Stallone was his actor Carl Weathers who played Apollo Creed, the original rival to Rocky in the ring. The Red Carpet was a buzz when both actors struck a familiar pose for the cameras! When speaking after accepting his award, Stallone said that he feels that most people feel like an underdog at some point in their life, referencing his movie Rocky. He told about his life and the steps that he took to become to actor and film inspiration that he is today. Clips from his many movies showed while the audience cheered his character Rocky on.

The Montecito Award is named after beautiful Montecito. Previous winners include Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, and Julianne Moore. Stallone has been awarded by many film festivals around the world and by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It is an absolute honor for Santa Barbara to be housing Sylvester Stallone, and honoring him at this event.