The Parker Hotel in Palm Springs hosted the Variety Awards Ceremonies Luncheon presented by Mercedes-Benz of the Desert. Variety and actor Colin Farrell
presented Director John Lee Hancock director of Saving Mr. Banks with the Creative Impact in Directing Award. The Creative Impact in Acting Award went to
Johan Hill for his portrayal in Wolf of Wall Street and presented by actress Marisa Tomei and Variety.
The luncheon also honored 10 directors that were presented and walked the Red Carpet for their contribution to Cinema. These are the directors that Variety feel are the most up and coming directors and considered the 10 Directors to Watch. They included Amma Asante for “Belle”, Clio Barnard for “The Selfish Game”, Anthony Chen for “Ho Ho” and Paul Duane for “Very Extremely Dangerous” films. BenFalcone for “Tammy”, Maya Forbes for “Infinitely Polar Bear”, Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly for “Beneath the Harvest Sky”, Justin Simien for “Dear White People”, Gren Wells for “The Road Within” and Dome Karukoski for “The Heart of a Lion”.
Other guests attending and walking the Red Carpet included Melissa McCarthy, Kay Ballard, Monte and Marilyn Hall and Jack and Eleanora Jones along with Colin Farrell and Marisa Tomei. Members of Variety, Michelle Sobrino, Claudia Eller, Steve Gaydos, and Tim Gray with Jay Penske from Penske Media were also attending. Photographers, TV interviewers and TV cameras lined the Red Carpet for this event.
This luncheon is always held the night after the Big Gala at the Palm Springs Convention Center when the celebrities and directors are still in the area. Its a big honor to be recognized by Variety and honored at this luncheon.
