Pictured: Vera Farminga "The Departed"

Can you just feel it in the air? Award season has begun, which means film and Television critic organizations and film festivals are leaping over one another to get their oh so important list of nominees out there first.

So, isn’t it brilliant of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival to release the names of four of the honorees receiving the Cinema Vanguard Award long before the actual ceremony.

Who’s getting a statue? Actors Vera Farminga, Peter Sarsgaard, Stanley Tucci and Chrisoph Waltz. They’re in good company, the Cinema Vangard Award has been given to Ryan Gossling for one and the honor went to Kristin Scott Thomas as late as last year. The award was created to recognize actors who have forged their own path – taking artistic risks and making a significant and unique contribution to film.

The 25th Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs from February 4th through February 14th, 2010. The Vanguard tribute takes place February 12th, 2010.  Tickets for this event are available now, discounted 20-percent until December 18th and can be purchased through www.sbfilmfestival.org or by calling (805) 962-8543.  Mini-Paks for the festival (NOT passes) are discounted 20-percent until November 28th, while Festival Passes and Packages are currently discounted at 15-percent. Ticketing fees will apply for all Film Festival Passes, Mini-Paks and event tickets.