The luck of the Irish was certainly smiling and sparkling in Santa Barbara last night when Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson were honored with the Cinema Vanguard Award from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Moderator Dave Karger introduced the frequently laughter-filled event, saying, “I feel like the two guests tonight are like the chocolate and peanut butter of the acting world — great individually, but even better together.”
The co-stars of The Banshees of Inisherin previously worked together in In Bruges (both written and directed by Martin McDonagh, who presented them with the awards and will himself be honored at the Outstanding Directors Award tonight at the Arlington), and have been close friends for more than a decade. That affection was clearly evident in their interview with Karger.
After watching the SBIFF reel of their career highlights, Gleeson said, “That montage gave me a kind of joy about all of the journeys we’ve had, both separately and together.”
“This is the most fun I’ve ever had on a film,” said McDonagh of his work with the two stars. “We’re in this together for good if only I would get off my ass to write more.”
Here’s hoping he does. The pairing of these two actors is clearly addictive.
(L-R) Honoree Colin Farrell, Martin McDonagh, and honoree Brendan Gleeson attend the Cinema Vanguard Award Ceremony | Credit: Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF 
General view of atmosphere at the Cinema Vanguard Award Ceremony | Credit: Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF 
Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell speak at the Cinema Vanguard Award Ceremony | Credit: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for SBIFF 
Colin Farrell receives the Cinema Vanguard Award at the Cinema Vanguard Award Ceremony | Credit: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for SBIFF 
Brendan Gleeson receive the Cinema Vanguard Award at the Cinema Vanguard Award Ceremony | Credit: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for SBIFF 
Brendan Gleeson and Rita Moreno attend the Cinema Vanguard Award Ceremony | Credit: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for SBIFF 
Rita Moreno attends the Cinema Vanguard Award Ceremony | Credit: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for SBIFF 
Honoree Colin Farrell attends the Cinema Vanguard Award Ceremony | Credit: Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for SBIFF 
Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson receive the Cinema Vanguard Award | Credit: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for SBIFF
