The 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards held at the Palm Springs Convention Center kicked off the 2025 Hollywood gala events this Friday. Presenting sponsors included Silvercrest, Arco, IHG Hotels and Resorts, along with Entertainment Tonight, marking the night as one of excitement and recognition within the film industry.
Among the highlights of the evening, Adrien Brody and Angelina Jolie received the prestigious Desert Palm Achievement Awards for their performances in The Brutalist and Maria, respectively. Presented by Andrew Garfield and Jacqueline Bisset, these awards reaffirm the caliber of talent celebrated at these awards, emphasizing the legacy and influence of the honored films.
The Vanguard Award was proudly presented by Alan Cumming to director Jacques Audiard along with his cast members, which included Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoë Saldaña, Selena Gómez, and Édgar Ramírez for Emilia Pérez. Their collaborative effort demonstrated the impactful storytelling seen within the current cinematic year.
Timothée Chalamet secured the Chairman’s Award for his role in A Complete Unknown, which was handed to him by the legendary Gary Oldman. Chalamet's rising star continues to shine brightly within Hollywood, gaining accolades for his transformative performances.
Nicole Kidman repeated her accolade with the International Star Award for her performance in Babygirl, introduced by Jamie Lee Curtis. Kidman’s continued excellence proves her staying power and adaptability within her craft, which resonates particularly with critics and fans alike.
Add to this the Rising Star Award presented to Ariana Grande for her role as Glinda in Wicked, embodied by the clever presentation from fellow actress Jennifer Coolidge. Grande’s success as both a musician and now as an accomplished actress demonstrates her versatility and dedication to the arts.
Colman Domingo garnered the Spotlight Award for his performance in Sing Sing, with Demi Moore presenting the honor. Domingo’s ability to captivate audiences through his portrayals signifies his importance as one of today’s most celebrated actors.
The Ensemble Performance Award was presented to the cast of Conclave. Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, Isabella Rossellini, John Lithgow, and Lucian Msamati came together to celebrate this recognition of teamwork through acting excellence, with Edward Berger doing the honors of presenting.
Breakthrough performances also received acknowledgment during the ceremony, with Kieran Culkin and Mikey Madison winning the Breakthrough Performance Awards for their respective roles in A Real Pain and Anora. Their achievements signify the new generation of actors making their mark on the industry. This was celebrated live by presenters Sharon Stone and Isabella Rossellini.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival aims not only to spotlight film achievements but also to support and highlight the broader range of voices within the film community. The event was marked by the presence of notable festival dignitaries, including Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi and Artistic Director Lili Rodríguez, reflecting the festival's commitment to showcasing talent.
Among other notable attendees, the evening saw the likes of Edward Burns, Jon M. Chu, Cynthia Erivo, Jesse Eisenberg, and many more influential figures from various walks of filmmaking. This sense of camaraderie and mutual respect underscored the importance of unity within the entertainment industry.
Each award was accompanied by either the John Kennedy “The Entertainer” statue or the stunning Chihuly Glass Sculpture, ensuring every winner left with a piece of history. Celebrities mingled during the event, sharing stories and reflections on their craft and the year’s cinematic accomplishments.
Overall, the 36th Palm Springs International Film Awards reaffirmed its significance as one of the year’s most prestigious and anticipated events, setting the tone for the awards season to come. With the celebration of both established and burgeoning talent, it continues to serve as the ultimate platform for recognizing cinematic achievements.