Quick Read
- Leonardo DiCaprio accepted his Desert Palm Achievement Award virtually from the East Coast due to travel disruptions and “Venezuela air restrictions.”
- DiCaprio used his speech to advocate for “cinema, not content,” emphasizing the communal experience of watching films.
- Ethan Hawke, receiving the Career Achievement Award, delivered a powerful message about mental health, AI, and the importance of protecting “the wild.”
- Timothée Chalamet (Spotlight Actor of the Year) reportedly entered the Palm Springs Film Awards discreetly with Kylie Jenner.
- The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards, hosted by Chelsea Handler, took place on January 4, following the Palm Springs event.
The glitzy, glamorous, and often unpredictable world of awards season has officially sprung to life in 2026, setting the stage for a month of cinematic celebrations and star-studded gatherings. The curtain rose with the Palm Springs International Film Awards on January 3, a vibrant prelude to the highly anticipated 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards, hosted for the fourth consecutive time by the sharp-witted Chelsea Handler, on January 4.
As Hollywood’s elite converged on Palm Springs, the event delivered its usual blend of red-carpet spectacle and heartfelt tributes, though not without its share of unexpected twists. While fans lined the streets hoping for a glimpse of their favorite stars, a significant absence loomed large: Leonardo DiCaprio, slated to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his compelling work in “One Battle After Another,” was unable to attend in person. Travel disruptions, specifically “Venezuela air restrictions” and broader airport snarls across California, grounded the acclaimed actor on the East Coast, as reported by Variety and The Desert Sun.
DiCaprio, however, did not miss his moment entirely. Introduced by his “One Battle After Another” co-stars Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, he delivered a poignant virtual acceptance speech. His message transcended a simple thank you, becoming a powerful ode to the enduring magic of cinema itself. “Original films are harder to make and harder to protect, but movies still matter, not content, but cinema. Stories made by people meant to be shared in a dark room, in a communal experience,” he asserted, recalling childhood memories of the Vista Theatre in Los Angeles. His words served as a timely reminder in an age increasingly dominated by streaming and fragmented viewing experiences, urging a return to the collective power of the big screen.
Star Power and Profound Messages on the Palm Springs Carpet
Despite DiCaprio’s virtual presence, the Palm Springs red carpet buzzed with an array of luminaries. Miley Cyrus, honored with the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award for her musical contributions to “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” made a stylish entrance with her mother, Tish Cyrus-Purcell, both clad in matching black suits. Cyrus endeared herself to fans, spending considerable time signing autographs and interacting with the crowd. Similarly, Renate Reinsve, a newer face gaining buzz for “Sentimental Value,” captivated onlookers in a sheer white gown, graciously engaging with autograph seekers.
Other stars who generously connected with fans included Michael B. Jordan, recipient of the Icon Award for his role in “Sinners,” and Ethan Hawke, who was honored with the Career Achievement Award for “Blue Moon.” Hawke’s acceptance speech was a standout moment, offering a wide-ranging, powerful discourse on mental health, artificial intelligence, and the imperative to “protect the wild.” “I believe creativity is in our nature, manifests in us, in our expressions, and represents our collective mental health,” Hawke declared, challenging those in attendance to embrace their power for good in turbulent times.
Not all arrivals were traditional. Timothée Chalamet, the Spotlight Actor of the Year for “Marty Supreme,” opted for a more discreet entry, reportedly slipping through a back door with girlfriend Kylie Jenner, a detail confirmed by event sources. Meanwhile, Paul Feig, director of “The Housemaid” and a presenter, injected local humor by announcing his recent home purchase in Palm Springs, quipping, “You know you’re in Palm Springs when the bar never runs out of martini glasses.” Feig presented the Visionary Award to Guillermo del Toro, Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth for their collaborative work on “Frankenstein.”
Honoring Legacies and Anticipating the Critics Choice Awards
The Palm Springs event also paused to honor its own. Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi delivered a touching tribute to the late Harold Matzner, a local figure widely credited with rescuing the film festival during a period of financial hardship. A slideshow of Matzner’s photos underscored the deep impact he had on the community and the festival’s longevity, moving many long-time collaborators.
As the glow of Palm Springs fades, the focus intensifies on the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards. While the full list of winners remains under wraps, early nominations have already generated considerable excitement. Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler, has garnered attention with nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams,” featuring Joel Edgerton, is also vying for Best Picture, setting up a competitive night. These nominations, as reported by ABC News, highlight a diverse field of cinematic excellence that will be celebrated by critics and audiences alike.
The Road Ahead: Golden Globes and Streaming Accessibility
The awards season marathon continues beyond the Critics Choice Awards, with the 83rd Annual Golden Globes scheduled for January 11 in Beverly Hills. Dubbed “Hollywood’s Party of the Year,” the Golden Globes will introduce a weeklong “Golden Week” of events for the first time. Early buzz suggests a strong showing for Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” which leads with nine Golden Globe nominations. “Sentimental Value” follows closely with eight nominations, while Ryan Coogler’s chilling horror “Sinners” earned seven, and Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” received five.
For those eager to catch up on the nominated films, many are already accessible. “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” are both streaming on HBO Max, with the former also available for rent and purchase. Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly” can be found on Netflix, offering convenient viewing options for audiences to engage with the critical darlings before the next wave of awards are announced.
This awards season promises to be a fascinating exploration of artistic merit and industry evolution. From the emotional resonance of DiCaprio’s virtual plea for the sanctity of cinema to Hawke’s call for protecting “the wild” amidst technological shifts, these early ceremonies are not merely about trophies. They are platforms for profound reflections on the role of storytelling, community, and human connection in an increasingly complex world, subtly shaping the conversations that will define the year in film.