Johnny Depp to be honored at Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Johnny Depp, contender for an Academy Award nomination for his role as gangster Whitey Bulger in “Black Mass,” will receive the Maltin Modern Master Award from the 31st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the event announced.

The award has been renamed to honor film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, who has moderated the event for several years.

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Depp, the three-time Oscar-nominee who said last month he doesn’t actually harbor a desire to win an Academy Award, will receive the Maltin award on Feb. 6 at the Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara.

“Johnny Depp is a true embodiment of a modern master,” Roger Durling, the festival’s executive director, said in a statement Wednesday. “He has a long and storied career that has shown his commitment to taking on compelling and dynamic roles. But in the gripping film ‘Black Mass,’ under the skillful direction of Scott Cooper, Johnny Depp delivers his defining performance to date.”

The award, established in 1995, is the festival’s highest accolade. Past recipients include Michael Keaton, Bruce Dern, Ben Affleck, Christopher Plummer, Christopher Nolan, Clint Eastwood, George Clooney and Peter Jackson.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place Feb. 3 through Feb. 13.