#SBIFF Wunmi Mosaku, Jacob Elordi, and Teyana Taylor Lead a Virtuosos Class Defining the Awards Season
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Virtuosos Award arrived this year as a clear snapshot of where contemporary cinema is headed, honoring a group of performers whose work has not only broken through, but fundamentally shaped the awards-season conversation. At the forefront of this year’s class are Wunmi Mosaku, Jacob Elordi, and Teyana Taylor—three artists whose recent performances signal both creative risk and career-defining momentum.
The Virtuosos Award recognizes a select group of talent whose standout performances during the season have propelled them into national and international focus. This year’s honorees reflect a striking balance between emerging voices and artists entering powerful new phases of their careers.
Jacob Elordi was recognized for Frankenstein, continuing a rapid evolution from leading-man status into a more complex and commanding dramatic presence. His performance underscores a growing confidence in tackling ambitious material and redefining audience expectations.
Wunmi Mosaku earned Virtuosos recognition for her acclaimed work in Sinners, a role that has drawn widespread praise for its emotional depth and restraint. Already a respected presence across film and television, Mosaku’s performance this season has elevated her into the top tier of awards contenders, affirming her ability to anchor stories that demand both power and vulnerability.
Teyana Taylor was honored for One Battle After Another, a performance widely regarded as a turning point in her acting career. Long recognized for her artistry across music and culture, Taylor’s work here demonstrates a new level of dramatic command and has firmly established her as a serious force in contemporary film acting.
They were joined by an equally formidable group of honorees. Chase Infiniti received recognition for her breakout role in One Battle After Another, delivering a performance marked by emotional immediacy and precision. Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas was celebrated for Sentimental Value, a quietly devastating turn that introduced her to international audiences and earned Academy Award recognition. Amy Madigan was honored for Weapons, reaffirming her enduring ability to ground complex narratives with intelligence and authority. Wagner Moura received Virtuosos recognition for The Secret Agent, continuing his trajectory as one of the most compelling global actors working today. Sydney Sweeney rounded out the group with recognition for Christy, further solidifying her transition into more challenging, character-driven roles.
The award was presented by Jane Lynch, whose own celebrated career lent both warmth and perspective to the evening. Her presence reinforced the spirit of the Virtuosos Award itself: a celebration not of longevity alone, but of momentum—those moments when talent, opportunity, and artistic conviction align.
Taken together, this year’s Virtuosos honorees represent a season defined by bold performances and creative ambition. Led by Mosaku, Elordi, and Taylor, the group reflects a shifting cinematic landscape—one increasingly shaped by artists unafraid to push beyond expectation and redefine what awards-season excellence looks like.
