Cynthia Erivo, Taron Egerton, Aldis Hodge show off vocals at SBIFF Virtuosos Award
35th Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuosos Award (Oscar Flores / FOX 11)
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Day 4 of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival concluded with the Virtuosos Award presented to Aldis Hodge, Awkwafina, Beanie Feldstein, Cynthia Erivo, Taron Egerton, Florence Pugh, and Taylor Russell for their body of work in the last year.
The award recognizes a select group of actors whose noteworthy performances in cinema have elevated them to nationwide recognition.
35th Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuosos Award (Oscar Flores / FOX 11)
A packed Arlington Theater erupted in cheers after Hodge, Erivo and Egerton decided to show off their vocals singing their favorite karaoke songs.
35th Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuosos Award (Oscar Flores / FOX 11)
It all started with a simple dare to Hodge after being asked what his favorite karaoke song was. "Golddigger," he responded. Erivo, along with the audience, egged Hodge to sing a few of the lyrics. Afterward, the moderator of the night's event, Turner Classic Movies host and IMDB special correspondent Dave Karger, said it was only fair for Erivo to sing a bit of her favorite Karaoke song.
35th Santa Barbara International Film Festival Virtuosos Award (Oscar Flores / FOX 11)
Erivo belted out a little Tina Turner with the song "We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)" which reignited the crowd.
Karger then dared anyone else to follow up, and after a little encouragement from Erivo, Egerton, who portrayed the iconic Elton John in the movie "Rocketman," channeled his inner George Michael and delighted the audience with a little bit of "Faith."
The moment was just one of many special moments that encapsulated the uniqueness of the Virtuosos Award. "Back to the Future" actor Christopher Lloyd presented each honoree with their award.
35th Santa Barbara International Film Festival Outstanding Performer of the Year Award (Oscar Flores / FOX 11)
One day before, Adam Driver (Star Wars) was presented with the film festival's Outstanding Performer of the Year award for his work in Netflix's "Marriage Story." Actress Scarlett Johansson was to attend the event with Driver to receive her award but was unable to do so after becoming "violently ill" an hour before leaving her hotel room, according to a letter she sent to festival officials.
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs until Jan. 25 with appearances from Lupita Nyong'o, Laura Dern, and Brad Pitt. For more information, visit sbiff.org.