The 23rd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala was held on Saturday Jan. 7th at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The Red Carpet with hundreds of photographers and TV crews were ready for the influx of some of the biggest names in Hollywood. It was an exciting night for local residents as well as hundreds lined a fence across from the Convention Center hoping to get a glimpse of their favorite movie star. Many Celebrities walked over to the fence and gave some lucky fan an autograph or photo opportunity. Fans had waited for hours to get the best spot by the fence.
The Gala raised over 1.6 million dollars. About 1800 guests filled the ballroom for the dinner and awards ceremony. The late Jackie Lee Houston was honored and a bouquet of flowers was put on the empty chair at the table beside her husband Jim Houston and her family.
Brad Pitt was awarded the Desert Palm Achievement for “Moneyball “and “The Tree of Life” by presenter, Jonah Hill. The beautiful Angelina Jolie arrived on the Red Carpet with Brad. The fantastic actress Glenn Close was awarded the Career Achievement award by present Jeff Goldblum. Handsome George Clooney, “The Descendants” and “Ides of March” was awarded the Chairman’s Award and presented by Grant Heslov and Shailene Woodley.
The A-List of celebrities also included those honorees, Howard Shore was presented the Frederick Loewe Award by Graham King. Desert Palm Achievement award went to actress Michelle Williams and was presented by Kenneth Branagh. Actor Adrien Brody presented the International Star award to Gary Oldman. The ensemble Award was presented to Charlize Theron and Patton Oswalt by Olivia Wilde for the movie “Young Adult”
The Breakthrough Performance award was given to Octavia Spencer “The Help” and presented by Melissa McCarthy. The famous Al Pacino awarded Jessica Chastain the Spotlight Award. Stephen Daldry was awarded the Director of the Year by Tom Horn and the great Tom Hanks. The Sonny Bono Visionary Award went to Michel Hazanavicius and presented by Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo.
Other celebrities walked the Red Carpet supporting this great festival. Local Celebrities and VIPs also graced the Red Carpet. This yearly event is eagerly anticipated by the whole valley and brings in people from around the world, Film makers, Directors, Producers, Actors, Actresses, and Public relations staff. Hotels are filled with film buffs and celebrity fans from all over the US. The event lasts for 12 days. From Jan. 5th thru the 16th with hundreds of films from many countries and delves into so many genres.
All Photos by Pat Krause Copyright 2012
