Oprah Winfrey to receive Montecito award

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey is to be honoured at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Winfrey, 59, will be given the Montecito Award in recognition of her critically-acclaimed performance in Lee Daniels’ The Butler, reported Digital Spy.

“Ms Winfrey, the actress, inhabits (her The Butler character) Gloria Gaines with such gusto — she makes you forget Oprah the impresario. Her performance is career-defining and reason to rejoice,” Santa Barbara Film Festival director Roger Durling said.

The Montecito Award is traditionally bestowed on stars who have given standout acting performances throughout their careers.

Lincoln star Daniel Day-Lewis was given the Montecito Award last year.