Palm Springs Awards: Kylie Jenner Cheers on Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio Champions Movies: ‘Not Content, but Cinema’

The Palm Springs International Film Awards gala delivered its annual blend of star wattage and Oscar-season momentum on Saturday evening, with candid speeches, emotional reveals and a last-minute reshuffling prompted by an absent honoree.

One of the night’s most buzzy moments came from Miley Cyrus, who accepted the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award for the original song “Dream as One” from James Cameron’s blockbuster “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” Presented by one of the film’s stars, Jack Champion, Cyrus spoke openly about reinvention, and her desire for Oscar recognition.

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“Reinvention is something I continuously strive for in my music,” she said, drawing loud applause as she acknowledged her ambitions beyond the recording studio.

The evening had an interesting blend of standout moments. One belonged to Timothée Chalamet, who was a constant presence throughout the ceremony and earned the Spotlight Award for his performance as table tennis phenom Marty Mauser in A24’s “Marty Supreme.” Introduced earlier in the night by host Nischelle Turner, Chalamet later took the stage, after being presented by director and co-writer Josh Safdie, reflecting on the privilege of working at this stage of his career.

“Every day, to wake up in good health and have the opportunity to create things for the world is truly a gift,” Chalamet said. His girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, watched from his table, cheering him on.

Also among the night’s emotional high points was Ethan Hawke, who received the Career Achievement Award, presented by Mahershala Ali, and delivered a rousing speech recalling his early friendship with River Phoenix. The rapturous applause underscored Hawke’s enduring stature, arriving the same day he won best actor from the National Society of Film Critics for “Blue Moon.”

A thunderous response also greeted Jane Fonda, who presented the Vanguard Award to Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet.” Leading actress Jessie Buckley thanked Fonda for her activism, visibly moved by the moment.

Director Guillermo del Toro brought the room to near tears when he revealed during his acceptance speech that his older brother had recently died. “I have learned that when you receive love, it’s what keeps us alive,” he said.

The evening’s biggest logistical surprise involved Leonardo DiCaprio, who was slated to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for “One Battle After Another” but was unable to travel from St. Barts due to air restrictions following the U.S. operation in Venezuela. Originally planned as the night’s closing honor, his presentation was moved to the middle of the ceremony, with co-stars Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti accepting on his behalf.

“Movies are still meant to be experienced together in a theater,” DiCaprio said in a pre-recorded message. “Right now, that belief matters more than ever.”

He continued, “Original films are harder to make and harder to protect, but movies still matter. Not content — but cinema. Stories made by people are meant to be shared in a dark room in a communal experience.”

Amanda Seyfried, also honored with the Desert Palm Achievement Award, followed DiCaprio’s remarks and credited him with inspiring her own path into acting.

Michael B. Jordan, presented by Colman Domingo for his performance in “Sinners,” acknowledged a medical emergency that was taking place in the lobby, saying he was praying for an attendee who was quietly taken to an ambulance by paramedics during the ceremony.

“Jay Kelly” star Adam Sandler, who received the Chairman’s Award, delivered the night’s most entertaining and hilarious speech, joking about how his life would be if he hadn’t made it as an actor: an electrical contractor, like his Dad.

The night closed with Kate Hudson, who received the Icon Award for “Song Sung Blue.” Introduced by director Rob Marshall (who worked with her on the musical “Nine”), Hudson capped an evening that doubled as both celebration and campaign launchpad.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival runs Jan. 2–12, showcasing 168 films from 72 countries, including 53 premieres and 44 submissions for the Academy Award for international feature.