A quarter-century ago, it would have been inconceivable to find Adam Sandler on the list of the lofty tribute evening of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). In his early breakout and career-building stage, Sandler honed his persona as a mumbly doofus capable of sudden throaty outbursts, on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and films such as Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, and The Waterboy. Adam Sandler in ‘Jay Kelly’ | Photo: NetflixSandler, now 59, has amassed enough of a body of work, with enough diversity and critical thumbs-up to make for a full evening’s tribute. I love that he’s left his comfort zone and delivered potent performances in Uncut Gems and Jay Kelly. But Sandler more than bounced back, starring in ’90s films, starting with Billy Madison (1995) and Happy Gilmore (1996), hence his production company portmanteau, Happy Madison.