PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 03: (L-R) Joachim Trier, Mona Fastvold, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgård attend the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards after party at Parker Palm Springs on January 03, 2026 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society)

Palm Springs, CA

Palm Springs once again took center stage in the film world as the Palm Springs International Film Awards officially launched awards season Thursday night, drawing some of Hollywood’s biggest names to the desert.

Presented by Kering and sponsored by Cadillac and Entertainment Tonight, the annual event celebrated standout performances, visionary filmmaking, and career achievements from across the global film industry. The ceremony traditionally serves as one of the first major stops on the road to the Academy Awards.

A wide range of honors were presented throughout the evening. Rose Byrne received the Breakthrough Performance Award, presented by Meghann Fahy. Timothée Chalamet was honored with the Spotlight Award, presented by filmmaker Josh Safdie. Miley Cyrus accepted the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award, presented by Jack Champion.

Leonardo DiCaprio was named recipient of the Desert Palm Achievement Award for Actor for his performance in One Battle After Another. DiCaprio, 51, was unable to attend the ceremony in person and accepted the award via video. According to Variety, the Oscar winner was unable to leave St. Barths, where he had been photographed vacationing with celebrity friends including girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti and Tom Brady, due to air travel restrictions in the Caribbean following the U.S.-Venezuela conflict.

Ethan Hawke received the Career Achievement Award, presented by Mahershala Ali, while Kate Hudson was recognized with the Icon Award for Actress, presented by director Rob Marshall. Michael B. Jordan received the Icon Award for Actor, presented by Colman Domingo.

Adam Sandler was honored with the Chairman’s Award, presented by Laura Dern. Amanda Seyfried accepted the Desert Palm Achievement Award for Actress, presented by Ethan Hawke.

Several films were also recognized for their creative impact. The Visionary Award was presented to Frankenstein director Guillermo del Toro and actors Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, with Paul Feig presenting the honor. The Vanguard Award went to Hamnet director Chloé Zhao and actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, presented by Jane Fonda. The International Star Award was presented to the cast of Sentimental Value, including Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning, with Joachim Trier presenting.

The ceremony drew a notable guest list, including Palm Springs International Film Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi and Artistic Director Lili Rodriguez, Ewa Abrams, President of Kering Americas, and Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto. Also in attendance were Reid D. Milanovich, Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, producer David Permut, James Duff and Phillip Keene of CW’s Sherlock & Daughter, comedian and red carpet host Matt Friend, and Dr. Edwin Gomez alongside students from Desert Sands Unified School District in the Coachella Valley.

With its blend of Hollywood glamour and desert backdrop, the Palm Springs International Film Awards once again set the tone for the awards season ahead, celebrating both established icons and emerging talent from around the world.