The Palm Springs International Film Awards unfolded as an evening of poignant tributes and celebratory moments. Nicole Kidman, recipient of the International Star Award for her performance in “Babygirl,” delivered a deeply moving acceptance speech. Fighting back tears before a 1,000-strong audience at the Palm Springs Convention Center, she dedicated the award to her late mother, whose passing coincided with Kidman’s Venice Film Festival win for Best Actress. Fellow Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis presented the award, recalling their encounter at the 2023 Academy Awards and praising Kidman’s artistic driving force: love. Kidman’s heartfelt words about grief and the enduring strength provided by her parents resonated deeply, with Curtis offering comfort by holding her hand.
The theme of family loss echoed throughout the night. Colman Domingo, receiving the Spotlight Award for his role in “Sing Sing,” shared his own experience of losing both parents within the same year. Yet, amidst the emotional depth, the evening also showcased moments of levity and gratitude. Timothée Chalamet, recipient of the Chairman’s Award, playfully compared his working hours with Denis Villeneuve to those of Jake Gyllenhaal, before delivering a witty acceptance speech referencing artistic giants.
Ariana Grande’s rise to acclaim was celebrated with the Rising Star Award for her performance in “Wicked.” Presented by the ever-humorous Jennifer Coolidge, the award highlighted Grande’s ability to imbue Glinda with depth and vulnerability, transforming a potentially stereotypical character into one deeply relatable. Coolidge’s introduction, punctuated by her signature wit, included a playfully mispronounced “Shiz University,” much to the audience’s amusement. Grande, in her acceptance speech, expressed gratitude for Coolidge’s comedic influence and reflected on her journey from music to acting, suggesting that comedy, for her, serves as a vehicle for truth. She even quipped about her reliance on “Botox and Juvederm” contributing to her current success as a “rising star”.
The Palm Springs International Film Awards also honored a diverse range of talent. Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”) and Angelina Jolie (“Maria”) received Desert Palm Achievement Awards, while Kieran Culkin (“A Real Pain”) and Mikey Madison (“Anora”) were recognized with Breakthrough Performance Awards. Denis Villeneuve received the Visionary Award for his work on “Dune,” the cast of “Conclave” received the Ensemble Performance Award, and the team behind “Emilia Pérez,” including Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Edgar Ramirez, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Jacques Audiard, were honored with the Vanguard Award. The event served as a testament to the power of film, highlighting both the emotional depth and the celebratory joy found within the art form.