Sandra Bullock receives American Riviera Award at Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Posted: Feb 6, 2010 1:16 AM by Ryan Foran
Updated: Feb 6, 2010 1:16 AM

Day two of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival rolls out the red carpet for one of Hollywood's biggest and brightest stars.

Oscar nominee Sandra Bullock was honored at the film fest Friday night.

It was a great night for her fans, who were just lining the streets to get a glimpse of her.

There were easily a couple hundred fans helping her celebrate her big night in Santa Barbara.

They were heard loud and clear as Sandra Bullock made her return to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

The flash bulbs were popping as the Golden Globe winner walked the red carpet on her way to accepting the American Rivera Award, which recognizes actors who have had a strong influence on American cinema.

"Pretty extraordinary because it's about filmmaking and the work, not about what designer you're wearing or who you slept with or how bad your work was," said Bullock. "It's enjoying the process."

Bullock is also enjoying the process of being nominated for an Oscar for her role in the hit move "The Blind Side."

She says she has no idea if she will actually take home her first Oscar come March.

"This is a year I didn't expect," she said. "This is a year I show up here then I go home and clean up after dogs. That's all I can tell you that I know is going to happen."

What could also happen is that Bullock could be the first to win an Oscar for Best Actress and a Razzie for Worst Actress for her role in "All About Steve."

Something her sense of humor knew was coming when we talked to her one-on-one on the red carpet.

"It's brilliant. It's exactly the way it should happen. I mean it's the great leveler, and I can't wait to go to the Razzies. I just don't know what I'm going to wear yet," said Bullock. "If you don't go to the Razzies you're a little hypocritical you know. People say 'I'm only going to show up to the good stuff.' No you have to show up for everything."

Forrest Whitaker was on hand to present Bullock with her award.

It is a return favor of sorts, in 2007 Bullock presented Whitaker with his American Riviera Award in Santa Barbara and he too knows all about the Razzies.

"I've been nominated for one Razzie, it was so long ago I try not not to remember but I think this year's so amazing and I know people are celebrating it and I'm happy to be here and support her during this amazing time," said Whitaker.

The festival runs through February 14.

On Saturday Director James Cameron will be given the festival's highest honor, the Modern Master Award.

It will be presented at the historic Arlington Theatre and Governor Schwarzenegger is expected to be on hand for it.

For a full list of festival events go to ksby.com and click on Newslinks.