At the Palm Springs International Film Festival in California, Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a powerful message on the vital importance of crafting cinema rather than just producing content. In a prerecorded video addressing attendees on Friday night, DiCaprio articulated that films are meant to be experienced collectively in movie theaters, a conviction that is more crucial now than ever before. He noted the increasing challenges in creating original films and safeguarding them, yet emphasized that "films still matter," distinct from generic content. He expressed that these are "stories made by people intended to be shared in the dark within a communal setting."
DiCaprio could not attend the festival because of ongoing political tensions affecting Venezuela, which resulted in the cancellation of multiple flights from the Caribbean, where he was vacationing, according to Variety. In his absence, his co-stars Chase Infiniti and Teyana Taylor accepted the award on his behalf.
The event marked the 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Awards, which traditionally inaugurates the Hollywood awards season by honoring some of the film industry's most anticipated contenders.
The glamorous evening was characterized by heartfelt speeches that repeatedly highlighted the necessity of unity among creatives and underscored the importance of preserving original storytelling and the cinematic experience. Actor Michael B. Jordan, upon accepting the Icon Award, encouraged peers to pursue original narratives that foster cohesion.
“The films we’re honoring this evening inspire us to do more, to be better, to see ourselves more clearly, and to make the world a brighter place. And perhaps when the lights go up in the theater, we can return to the sunlight together,” Jordan stated.
Singer Cyrus received the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award for her song “Dream As One,” featured in "Avatar: Fire and Ash." She voiced aspirations for the industry to focus more on community rather than competition.
“Numbers can make it feel like a sport, but acting is much more than figures because each artist can bare their soul in a uniquely profound way, leaving their distinct imprint on history,” observed Cyrus.
Jane Fonda briefly guided the audience through a breathing exercise before presenting the Vanguard Award to Chloe Zhao, Paul Mescal, and Jessie Buckley. Fonda credited Zhao with initiating this practice, which she regularly conducted before screenings of "Hamnet" at the festival.
Director Guillermo del Toro accepted the Visionary Award alongside the "Frankenstein" cast. He shared the recent loss of his older brother and reflected on the enduring relevance of Mary Shelley’s classic novel amid ongoing technological advancements and societal divisions. Del Toro expressed that this relevance points to humanity's failure to learn and how monsters can articulate aspects of what it means to be human.
Timothée Chalamet was honored with the Spotlight Award, using his acceptance speech to focus on the quest for greatness in his role as "Marty Supreme" and the realization of dreams.