Dev Patel to be honoured at Santa Barbara Film Festival

Indian-origin British actor Dev Patel will be honoured at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for his performance in the upcoming Australian-American drama "Lion".

The film and 26-year-old Patel's performance have been appreciated at a lot of festivals. "Lion" is scheduled to arrive in US theatres on November 25.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival has also selected seven other actors for its virtuosos award for breakthrough performances, including Ruth Negga for "Loving", and Aaron Taylor Johnson for "Nocturnal Animals".

Janelle Monae will be honored for "Hidden Figures" and "Moonlight", alongside her "Moonlight" co-stars Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris. Simon Helberg was named for "Florence Foster Jenkins" and Stephen Henderson was tapped for "Fences".

The award presentation, to be moderated for the seventh year by Dave Karger, will take place on February 4 at the Arlington Theatre at the 32nd edition of the festival, which runs from February 1 to February 11.

"This year has been monumental in the breadth of talent breaking through in distinct and emotional roles," ExecutiveDirector Roger During said.

"We are excited to honor both new and familiar faces, and look forward to celebrating them and their contribution to the craft."