Santa Barbara, CA – Actor Mark Ruffalo was celebrated with the American Riviera Award at the 39th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Ruffalo received this honor on Sunday, February 11, 2024, during a comprehensive discussion about his distinguished career, leading up to his recent portrayal as Duncan Wedderburn in Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things.”

Ruffalo was joined by his family, who witnessed the award ceremony along with members of his team. The event was moderated by Anne Thompson from IndieWire, who guided Ruffalo through a retrospective of his most notable films. Emma Stone, Ruffalo’s co-star in and producer of "Poor Things", presented the award, delivering a heartfelt speech that highlighted the qualities making Ruffalo a beloved figure in Hollywood.

An Emmy winner and a three-time Academy Award® nominee, Ruffalo’s career is defined by his varied and captivating performances. He has earned Oscar nominations for “Spotlight,” “Foxcatcher,” and “The Kids are Alright,” along with an Emmy and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his dual role in "I Know This Much is True." His performance in Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart" also garnered him a Screen Actors Guild Award.

Beyond acting, Ruffalo's influence is notable in his advocacy work. His leading role in "Dark Waters" underscored pressing environmental concerns, mirroring his real-life commitment to clean energy and social justice. Ruffalo has also been a vocal advocate for peace, including calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

His production work includes projects that focus on indigenous rights, environmental issues, and communities impacted by the climate crisis. Recent works like “Lakota Nation vs. United States,” “Invisible Hand,” and “Dear President Obama: The Clean Energy Revolution Is Now” showcase his dedication to these causes.

As a co-founder and board member of The Solutions Project, Ruffalo plays a crucial role in promoting clean energy and climate justice, especially supporting initiatives led by women of color. His contributions to environmental leadership have been recognized with several awards, including the Global Green Millennium Award for Environmental Leadership and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Artists Inspiration Award in 2019.

In “Poor Things,” produced by Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos, Ruffalo stars as the charismatic Duncan Wedderburn. The film, a fantastical narrative about Bella Baxter, a woman resurrected by Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe), explores themes of liberation and equality.

The American Riviera Award, bestowed upon actors who have made significant contributions to American cinema, boasts a distinguished roster of past honorees including Brendan Fraser, Kristen Stewart, and Renée Zellweger. Ruffalo’s addition to this esteemed list underscores his lasting impact and versatility in the film industry.