Saoirse Ronan and Brie Larson are to be honoured at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival - sharing the outstanding performer of the year award. The fest announced on tuesday, December 01.

This is the first time two honorees have been named for this award, which has gone in the past to comedian Steve Carell, actress Jennifer Lawrence, actress-model Penelope Cruz, filmmaker and humanitarian Angelina Jolie, and actress-singer Kate Winslet

Actress and singer, Saoirse Ronan is being honoured for her performance in Irish flick "Brooklyn" - is a 2015 historical period drama film, directed by John Crowley and written by Nick Hornby, based on Colm Toibin's best-selling novel.

The 26-year-old, Larson has been catch attention for her performance in Irish director Lenny Abrahamson's "Room" - is a 2015 Canadian-Irish drama-thriller which is based on her novel of the same name, written by Emma Donoghue.

Larson and Ronan have both previously been awarded the festival's Virtuoso award.

The executive director of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Roger Durling said they were "proud" to jointly celebrate "these two great actresses in such strong performances".

He added, "This is an incredible year for emerging talent to take centre stage and showcase their abilities. We've long been following the careers of Brie and Saoirse and their recent roles as empowered young women transcend time, place and circumstance."

The award recognises a group of actors who have dignified through performances in the past year.

The other honourees are actress-producer-director Elizabeth Banks for her role in Beach Boys biopic Love & Mercy, film director Joel Edgerton for Black Mass and film producer Paul Dano for his roles in Youth and Love & Mercy.

Also being honoured at the festival is actor Johnny Depp, who is being awarded the Maltin Modern Master award.

The 31st annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival runs Feb. 3 – 13, 2016.