LOS ANGELES: Action star Sylvester Stallone has been announced as this year’s recipient of the Santa Barbara Film Festival’s Montecito Award.

Given to “a person in the entertainment industry who has made a great contribution to film”, it will be presented at a tribute and ceremony on February 9 at the Arlington Theatre, reported Deadline.

“Sylvester Stallone’s performance in Creed has reminded us of what a true talent he is and what a joy it is to share in his successes as the many beloved characters he has created… “He is a true legend in our field, and it is our privilege to present him with the Montecito Award, and to continue to honour his legacy,” said SBIFF executive director Roger Durling. Stallone, 69, is one of only six people in Academy history to be nominated for playing the same role in two different films. Past recipients of the Montecito Award include Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey, Daniel Day-Lewis, Geoffrey Rush, Julianne Moore, Kate Winslet, Javier Bardem, Bill Condon and Naomi Watts.–PTI