The road to the 98th Academy Awards officially kicked off in style this weekend as the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) held its prestigious Awards Gala on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Known as the “unofficial precursor” to the Oscars, the gala is famous for its intimate atmosphere and heartfelt speeches.
Michael B. Jordan poses with the Icon Award in the press room during the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 03, 2026 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
This year, the Palm Springs Convention Center was transformed into a bastion of cinematic excellence, celebrating a diverse slate of films that spanned from high-octane sci-fi to intimate historical biopics. From the return of veteran legends like Ethan Hawke to the continued dominance of new-gen icons like Michael B. Jordan, the night provided a clear snapshot of who will be dominating the podiums in the months to come.
The 2026 Film Awards Honorees
This year’s list of recipients represents a masterful mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars who have defined the last year in cinema:
Timothée Chalamet, winner of the Spotlight Award, Actor, attends the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 03, 2026 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society)
- Spotlight Award: Timothée Chalamet for his “unhinged and brilliant” portrayal of a ping-pong hustler in Marty Supreme.
- Desert Palm Achievement, Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio for his emotionally charged lead role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another.
- Desert Palm Achievement, Actress: Amanda Seyfried for her transformative performance as a Shaker leader in The Testament of Ann Lee.
- Chairman’s Award: Adam Sandler for his career-best dramatic turn in the Netflix original Jay Kelly.
- Icon Award (Actor): Michael B. Jordan for his dual-role mastery in the Ryan Coogler-directed vampire epic Sinners.
- Icon Award (Actress): Kate Hudson for her powerful vocal and dramatic work in the tribute-band biopic Song Sung Blue.
- Career Achievement Award: Ethan Hawke, celebrating his long-standing collaboration with Richard Linklater in the lyricist biopic Blue Moon.
- International Star Award: The ensemble cast of Sentimental Value, including Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Elle Fanning.
- Visionary Award: Guillermo del Toro and the lead cast of Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth).
- Vanguard Award: Director Chloé Zhao and stars Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley for the Shakespearean drama Hamnet.
- Breakthrough Performance Award: Rose Byrne for her acclaimed role in the indie dramedy If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.
- Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award: Miley Cyrus for her natively generated musical contribution to James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash.
Miley Cyrus, winner of the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award, attends the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 03, 2026 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society)
Gala Highlights: Absences and Standing Ovations
The evening was marked by a surprising absence from Leonardo DiCaprio, who was unable to attend in person due to restricted airspace and travel disruptions across the Caribbean. He instead sent a pre-recorded video message, thanking his co-stars Chase Infiniti and Teyana Taylor for “standing across from him every day” on set. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet accepted his award from director Josh Safdie, delivering a passionate speech about “taking fate hostage” to achieve one’s dreams.
