The 10th annual Variety Artisans Awards at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival witnessed its largest attendance to date, as 2,000 enthusiastic individuals filled the Arlington Theater. This highly anticipated event provided an opportunity for attendees to gain insights from the talented artisans behind the Oscar-nominated films. Through engaging one-on-one conversations and a panel discussion, honorees such as Stephane Ceretti, Billie Eilish, Finneas, Ludwig Göransson, Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer, Kazu Hiro, Jennifer Lame, Rodrigo Prieto, Michael Semanick, and Holly Waddington shared their experiences and offered glimpses into their creative processes.
The evening kicked off with an intriguing question posed by senior artisans editor Jazz Tangcay - the panelists' favorite rainy day movies. While 'Amadeus' emerged as a popular choice, there were diverse answers from the honorees. Ludwig Göransson, with his young children in mind, mentioned Hayao Miyazaki's magical film 'My Neighbor Totoro.' Billie Eilish also expressed her love for Miyazaki, citing 'Spirited Away' as her go-to movie. She also mentioned the timeless classic 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' as another option. Jennifer Lame humorously revealed that she would watch whatever was on TV or opt for a fun film like 'She's All That.'
Further intriguing insights were shared when the panelists were asked to select a film or piece of music from their own work that would give audiences an understanding of their artistic identity. Stephane Ceretti, visual effects supervisor known for his work on 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,' highlighted the difficulty of choosing but ultimately picked the visually stunning 'Doctor Strange' and Christopher Nolan's enigmatic film 'The Prestige.'
Billie Eilish, known for her mesmerizing songwriting skills, revealed her frustration with not being able to control what others listen to. However, she did mention her fondness for her song 'Male Fantasy' alongside her widely acclaimed hit 'What Was I Made For?'
Finneas, her collaborator and talented songwriter in his own right, selected a song simply titled 'TV,' which he and Billie Eilish wrote a couple of years ago. These choices provided a glimpse into their artistic versatility and range.
Ludwig Göransson, celebrated composer known for his work on 'Black Panther,' shared his formative experience working on the TV show 'Community.' He expressed how this opportunity allowed him to learn and grow as a composer and navigate various genres. The show's experimental nature provided him with an invaluable platform to hone his skills.
Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer, production designers recognized for their exceptional work on 'Barbie,' selected films that resonated with the worlds they had created. Sarah chose 'Anna Karenina,' describing it as the cousin of 'Barbie' due to the complete world they had meticulously crafted. Katie opted for 'Atonement,' a film that, like 'Barbie,' contained multiple narrative layers.
Kazu Hiro, the accomplished makeup artist behind films like 'Darkest Hour' and 'Bombshell,' showcased his expertise and artistry. Jennifer Lame, known for her remarkable editing skills, emotionally attached herself to her first editing project, 'Frances Ha,' a film that held personal significance for her.
Rodrigo Prieto, the talented cinematographer behind films like 'Brokeback Mountain' and 'The Irishman,' shared the emotional ties he felt with 'Brokeback Mountain' due to his family background and the need to understand and connect with his uncle, who was gay. He also highlighted his visually striking work in 'Biutiful' directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu.
Michael Semanick, an acclaimed re-recording mixer, took the opportunity to share four films that showcased his best work: 'The Fellowship of the Ring,' 'The Social Network,' 'Coco,' and 'There Will be Blood.' These selections reflected his range and mastery in sound mixing.
Lastly, Holly Waddington, renowned costume designer, expressed her pride in the film 'Lady Macbeth.' Despite its austere and pared-back nature, this project displayed her ability to create captivating visuals.
The insightful panel discussion at the Variety Artisans Awards allowed the talented honorees to not only engage with the audience but also provided a deeper understanding of their creative processes and personal influences. From visual effects to songwriting, composition to production design, makeup artistry to editing, cinematography to costume design, each artisan shared a unique perspective that emphasized their dedication and passion for their craft. Their will to push artistic boundaries and create work that resonates with audiences is truly commendable, making this event a remarkable celebration of their exceptional contributions to the world of film.
