George Clooney will receive the 2006 Santa Barbara InternationalFilm Festival's Modern Master Award.

The actor-director, whose historical drama Good Night, And GoodLuck has firmlyestablished itself as one of this season's awards contenders, will collect thehonour during next year's event.

"This is Clooney's year," festival director Roger Durlingsaid. "He's shown great versatility and talent, and we're proud to honour him."

Previous recipients include Peter Jackson, Jodie Foster, MichaelDouglas, Anthony Hopkins, Sean Penn, Jeff Bridges and Diane Keaton.

The SBIFF runsfrom Feb 2-12. For more details visit the official website at www.sbfilmfestival.org.