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The award recognizes "an artist who has had a strong influence on American cinema," and this will be the first time it has been given to a director.
"Honoring Scorsese has been a dream of SBIFF's for many years," fest executive director Roger Durling said. "We're thrilled that it's happening during a year when this contemporary master of cinema is breaking new ground with 'Hugo.'"
The award will be presented Jan. 30 at the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara as part of the 27th edition of the festival, which runs Jan. 26-Feb. 5.
– The Hollywood Reporter
