The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) has switched the recipient of its Modern Master Award after it emerged that Emma Thompson has to attend London rehearsals.

Dern becomes the recipient, capping the latest honour in a season that has brought him plenty of recognition for his lead role in Nebraska.

Thompson had originally been scheduled to receive the award but must stay in London to rehearse for the New York Philharmonic staging of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd.

The tribute ceremony is set for February 8 and SBIFF runs from January 30-February 9.

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