by Jerry Braun – December 2022
The 34th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival is right around the corner. The star-studded Film Awards Gala event will be held on Thursday, January 5th to kick off the 34rd annual Film Festival, which runs from January 6th through the 16th. The Festival’s film screenings begin on Friday, January 6th, including the “Opening Night” film presentation, and will conclude with the “Best of Fest” on January 16th. Tables, seats, and passes are now on sale.
The annual Film Awards Gala will honor the best achievements of a number of celebrated talents this year. 2023 awardees include the Desert Palm Achievement Awards going to Colin Farrell for his acting in The Banshees of Inisherin, and Cate Blanchett for her work in Tar. Director of the Year Award goes to Sarah Polley for directing Women Talking. The Vanguard Award will be presented to the film The Fabelmans, directed by Steven Spielberg.
The International Star Awards to actress Michelle Yeoh for her acting in Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, and actor Bill Nighy for his work in Living. This year, the Breakthrough Performance Awards go to Danniell Deadwyler for her work in Till, and Austin Butler for his portrayal of the lead character in Elvis. The Chairman’s Award will be presented to Viola Davis for her acting in The Woman King.
According to the Palm Springs International Film Festival website, this is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming over 135,000 attendees each year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries from over sixty countries.
The black tie Film Awards event is held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, Calif. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and valet and self-parking open at 4 p.m. Arrival, COVID-19, and security procedures will be emailed out to ticket buyers in December. At this time, all attendees will be required to show proof of full vaccination to attend the Film Awards. Upon arrival at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Thursday January 5, attendees will be asked to show proof of vaccination before receiving table assignments and entering the building.
Go to the PSIFF website for full Festival information and the latest COVID-19 protocols.
Images courtesy of the PSIFF website.