Kate Winslet was seen getting escorted through LAX International Airport on Friday (January 23) as she was greeted by paparazzi and autograph collectors alike.

The fan frenzy continued later that evening when The Reader actress was mobbed by admirers outside the Arlington Theatre on State Street where she received the Montecito Award as part of the 2009 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Other honorees included Penelope Cruz, Kristin Scott Thomas, Clint Eastwood and The Wrestler star Mickey Rourke.

As usual, the event figures to be a hotbed for Academy Award hopefuls.

[Bauer Griffin]