The 23rd Santa Barbara International Film Festival announced its 2008 line-up of 215 films from 49 countries, including 20 world premieres. Festival director Roger Durling says the event continues to grow in stature and provide a platform to the Academy Awards.

The festival runs January 24th-February 3rd and will open with Adam Brooks’ Definitely Maybe, starring Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fischer, Derek Luke, Abigail Breslin, Elizibeth Banks and Rachel Weisz.

Cate Blanchett will recieve a Modern Master Award, Javier Bardem will receive the Montecito Award, and Ryan Gosling will be honored with the Independent Award.

Special honors will also be going to: Angelina Jolie, Tommy Lee Jones, Casey Affleck, Marion Cotillard, James McAvoy, Ellen Page, and Amy Ryan. There will also be a tribute to Julie Christie, narrated by Leonard Maltin. Acclaimed director Norman Jewison will serve as festival guest director.

The “French Bulldog” (director, producer, bon vivant, poet, and Buzzine Magazine Film Editor) Emmanuel Itier will be personally covering the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, as well as injecting an essential life, energy and wildness into the best parties.

Complete festival line-up and information: Click here.