Belvedere Vodka the sole liquor sponsor for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. was proud to present a series of VIP after parties paying tribute to 2019 honoree’s in a bevy of chic destinations following major festival events, including the historic Arlington Theatre Courtyard and Festival Pavilion in the Lobero Theatre. These lovely events were a part of Belvedere Vodka’s Beautiful to See, Beautiful to Experience campaign that was unveiled during the film festival.

Belvedere Lounge Bar

Each event was an opportunity for guests to meet the honorees and enjoy signature Belvedere Vodka cocktails, including Belvedere Classic Martini, Belvedere Expresso Martinis and more. The 2019 events included an opening night gala at Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center that drew a fun crowd of hundreds, Celebrity Tributes each night honoring and presenting Tribute Awards to major entertainment celebrities, many whom are Oscar nominees.

Director Pawel Pawlikowski “Cold War” sipped and chatted with guests.

Celebrities attending SBIFF included the Outstanding Directors Award Honorees, Spike Lee (BlacKkKlansman), Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite), Pawel Pawlikowski (Cold War), Alfonso Cuarón (Roma), Adam McKay (Vice), Rami Malek Outstanding Performer Award, American Riviera Award, Viggo Mortensen, Maltin Modern Master Award, Glenn Close, Montecito Award, Melissa McCarthy, Variety Artisans Award, Virtuosos Award, Cinema Van Guard Award, Michael B. Jordan.

Director Yorgos Lanthimos “The Favourite” savoring the Espresso Martini

I had the pleasure of sipping a Belvedere cocktail with the directors being honored in the beautiful Belvedere Lounge, where guests mingled and chatted over signature Belvedere Martini’s and enjoyed delicious hors-d’oeuvres from Opal Restaurant & Bar. It was a really fun and surreal experience in every way to personally congratulate these five honored directors, who are all nominees for this year’s Oscar Awards.
.
by Bonnie Carroll
Bonnie Carroll has been a food/travel/lifestyle writer since 1983. She is the founder & publisher of Bonnie Carroll’s Life Bites News (www.lifebitesnews.com), award-winning blogger, does travel, entertainment and food reporting on local radio &TV, and contributes to national travel/lifestyle publications. She is a member of IFWTWA and NATJA. Contact her at writebc@aol.com.