AWARD SEASON KICKS OFF! TIMOTHEE AND LEONARDO ARE BIG WINNERS!

4th January 2026

The Palm Springs International Film Awards unfolded Jan. 3 as both a glamorous celebration of cinema and an early barometer for the awards season ahead, blending raw emotion, unexpected adjustments and lighter notes throughout the evening.

Miley Cyrus generated one of the night’s most talked-about moments while accepting the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award for her original song “Dream as One” from James Cameron’s epic Avatar: Fire and Ash. Introduced by castmate Jack Champion, Cyrus spoke openly about creative reinvention and her desire to be recognized beyond the music industry, drawing enthusiastic applause as she acknowledged her Oscar aspirations.

Timothée Chalamet emerged as a central figure of the ceremony, earning the Spotlight Award for his performance as table tennis prodigy Marty Mauser in A24’s Marty Supreme. Chalamet later returned to the stage, presented by director and co-writer Josh Safdie, to reflect on the rare opportunity to be working at such a high level at this stage of his career.

Jane Fonda received a standing ovation when she presented the Vanguard Award to Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet. The film’s star Jessie Buckley appeared visibly moved as she thanked Fonda for her decades of activism and influence.

A hush fell over the room during Guillermo del Toro’s acceptance speech when the filmmaker revealed the recent passing of his older brother. “I have learned that when you receive love, it’s what keeps us alive,” he said, prompting an emotional response from the audience.

The evening’s most notable logistical shift involved Leonardo DiCaprio, who was unable to attend after travel restrictions prevented him from leaving St. Barts amid an international conflict. Originally scheduled to close the ceremony, DiCaprio’s Desert Palm Achievement Award for One Battle After Another was moved earlier in the program, with co-stars Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti accepting on his behalf. In a pre-recorded message, DiCaprio reaffirmed his belief in theatrical filmmaking, stressing the importance of shared, communal moviegoing and original storytelling.

Amanda Seyfried, also honored with a Desert Palm Achievement Award, followed with remarks crediting DiCaprio as an early inspiration in her decision to pursue acting.

Michael B. Jordan, introduced by Colman Domingo for his performance in Sinners, became the first honoree to acknowledge a medical emergency unfolding in the lobby, briefly grounding the evening in real-world urgency.

Adam Sandler delivered the night’s most humorous speech upon receiving the Chairman’s Award for Jay Kelly, joking that he might have followed his father into electrical contracting had his acting career not taken off.

The ceremony concluded with Kate Hudson receiving the Icon Award for Song Sung Blue. Presented by director Rob Marshall, her appearance capped an evening that functioned as both a celebration of film and a launchpad for awards-season campaigns.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival runs Jan. 2–12, featuring 168 films from 72 countries, including 53 premieres and 44 international feature submissions for the Academy Awards.

Another emotional highlight came from Ethan Hawke, who accepted the Career Achievement Award presented by Mahershala Ali. Hawke delivered a rousing speech recalling his early friendship with River Phoenix, earning sustained applause that underscored his lasting impact — arriving the same day he won best actor from the National Society of Film Critics for Blue Moon.

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