The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) has landed a big name on the awards circuit: director Martin Scorsese, who will receive the festival’s American Riviera Award on January 30.

    Scorsese’s 3D film “Hugo” was named the year’s best film by the National Board of Review of the United States.

    “Honoring Scorsese has been a dream of SBIFF’s for many years,” said SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling in a press release announcing the award. “We’re thrilled that it’s happening during a year when this contemporary master of cinema is breaking new ground with ‘Hugo.’”

    Previous winners of the American Riviera Award, which SBIFF says “was established to honor an artist who has had a strong influence on American cinema,” include Annette Bening, Sandra Bullock, Mickey Rourke and Forest Whitaker. Typically, the award has gone to an actor in the thick of the year’s awards race.

    Scorsese has had eight Oscar nominations for best director and one win, for “The Departed.” His iconic* films include “Mean Streets,” “Taxi Driver,” “Raging Bull,” “Goodfellas” and “Casino.”

    “Hugo” is viewed as a significant departure* for the director, although its kid-friendly story is mixed with an affectionate view of cinema history.(SD-Agencies)