Steve Carell to be honored by Santa Barbara film festival

Nov 17, 2014 | 4:00 AM

Steve Carell to be honored by Santa Barbara film festival — Steve Carell, star of "Foxcatcher," photographed on closing night at AFI Fest 2014 on Nov. 13 in Hollywood. The actor will be honored early next year at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. (Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival named Steve Carell the recipient of its 2015 outstanding performer of the year award for his turn as John du Pont in "Foxcatcher."

The Bennett Miller-directed film is based on the true story of an heir to the chemical company fortune, his sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic wrestling program and his relationship with gold medal-winning brothers Mark and Dave Schultz.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, generating buzz and establishing itself as an early player in the fall awards season.

"Carell's complete embodiment of the reclusive millionaire, a somber, twisted and morally ambiguous individual, is a testament to his versatility as a comedic and dramatic actor," the Santa Barbara International Film Festival said in a statement.

Carell made his film debut in 1991 in "Curly Sue" and went on to star in films such as "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Crazy Stupid Love," though he is perhaps best known for his role as Michael Scott on the sitcom "The Office."

Some previous recipients of the Santa Barbara award include Cate Blanchett in 2014, Jennifer Lawrence in 2013, Viola Davis in 2012 and James Franco in 2011.

The 30th annual festival runs from Jan. 27 to Feb. 7. Carell will be presented the award on Feb. 6.

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