She steals the spotlight in the critically acclaimed The Artist… And, now Bérénice Bejo is reaping the rewards of her show-stopping performance in the silent film.

The 35-year-old Argentine actress and her co-star Jean Dujardin will receive the Cinema Vanguard Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Set in 1927 Hollywood, The Artist—which has already garnered plenty of pre-Oscar buzz—centers around silent movie star George Valentin, who wonders if the arrival of talking pictures will cause him to fade into oblivion as he sparks a relationship with Peppy Miller, a young dancer set for a big break.

“We are grateful to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival for this incredible honor,” remarked Dujardin. “Delivering a silent film to the 21stcentury is no easy task, and it would have in no way been possible without the talent and dedication of the incredible ensemble of actors we had the pleasure of working with: James Cromwell, John Goodman, Penelope Ann Miller, Missi Pyle and Malcom McDowell. This award is just as much for them as it is for us.”

The award was established to recognize actors who’ve forged their own path by taking artistic risks and making significant and unique contributions to film.

Previous award recipients include Nicole Kidman, Vera Farmiga, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ryan Gosling.

Bejo, who has previously appeared in A Knight’s Tale, will receive her award at a special tribute event on Saturday, February 4, 2012. Meanwhile, the film festival will run from January 26 – February 5, 2012.