The Palm Springs International Film Awards delivered its signature mix of star power, emotion, and awards-season momentum on Jan. 3, solidifying its place as a key stop on the road to the Oscars. Held during the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the gala featured candid speeches, surprise moments, and a reshuffled program following an absent honoree — all while celebrating the enduring power of movies as a communal art form.
Miley Cyrus Talks Reinvention and Oscar Ambitions
One of the night’s most talked-about moments came from Miley Cyrus, who accepted the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award for the original song “Dream as One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash. Presented by cast member Jack Champion, Cyrus used her speech to reflect on reinvention and her hopes for recognition beyond music. Her remarks drew loud applause and set the tone for an evening focused on artistic ambition.
Timothée Chalamet’s Spotlight Moment
Timothée Chalamet was a constant presence throughout the ceremony and received the Spotlight Award for his performance as table tennis prodigy Marty Mauser in Marty Supreme. Introduced earlier by host Nischelle Turner and later presented by director Josh Safdie, Chalamet spoke about gratitude and the privilege of creating art. Watching proudly from his table was girlfriend Kylie Jenner, who cheered him on throughout the night.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Message: “Not Content, but Cinema”
One of the evening’s most resonant statements came from Leonardo DiCaprio, who was unable to attend in person due to international travel restrictions. In a pre-recorded message accepting the Desert Palm Achievement Award for One Battle After Another, DiCaprio made a passionate case for theatrical filmmaking. “Movies are meant to be experienced together in a theater,” he said. “Original films are harder to make and harder to protect — but movies still matter. Not content, but cinema.” His remarks drew some of the loudest applause of the night.
Career Honors and Emotional Tributes
Ethan Hawke received the Career Achievement Award, presented by Mahershala Ali, delivering an emotional speech that included memories of his friendship with River Phoenix. Director Guillermo del Toro brought the room to near silence when he revealed the recent death of his older brother, speaking movingly about love and survival. Meanwhile, Jane Fonda presented the Vanguard Award to Hamnet, with actress Jessie Buckley offering an emotional thank-you.
A Celebration and a Statement
From Adam Sandler’s comedic Chairman’s Award speech to Kate Hudson receiving the Icon Award, the evening doubled as both celebration and campaign launchpad. Above all, the message was clear: in an era dominated by algorithms and short-form media, cinema — shared, theatrical, and human — still matters.
