“I loved art school, but I felt a calling to be an actor,” said Ralph Fiennes during a conversation with Moderator Scott Feinberg at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) on February 6. Fiennes discussed his career journey and the decisions he made that led him to where he is today.

Fiennes, who has acted in over 70 films, was honored with the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award at SBIFF, a well-deserved recognition of his impressive career. Known for his powerful performances in roles such as Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter, Amon Goeth in Schindler’s List, and Gareth Mallory in the James Bond series, Fiennes’s remarkable talent has earned him a place among the industry’s greats. Previous recipients of this award include Margot Robbie, Jennifer Lawrence, and Heath Ledger.

Recently, Fiennes received his seventh Golden Globe nomination for his performance in Conclave. He also won the award for Best Actor at the British Independent Film Awards in 2005 for The Constant Gardener.

During a Q&A session following the red carpet, Fiennes shared memories from his early years, remembering his time studying painting at Chelsea College of Arts before discovering his passion for acting. He also fondly remembered his mother, who encouraged all of her children to pursue their passions with dedication. “She was fantastic at supporting us in whatever we believed in, as long as we did it thoroughly,” Fiennes remarked.

Overall, it was an unforgettable evening, filled with talented artists and inspiring stories. The Forge is grateful it got the chance to listen to Ralph Fiennes discuss his inspiring career and the many incredible projects he’s been a part of and the characters he’s brought to life.

photo: Ralph Fiennes taken by Colleen Rivera