On Friday, January 3rd, 2025, Hollywood’s A-List gathered at Palm Springs Convention Center to mark the official start of 2025 Awards season.
This year’s celebration was truly memorable- here are a few of our favorite moments.
1: Nicole Kidman’s heartfelt and tearful speech.
In her first public appearance since the loss of her mother, Nicole Kidman was honored with the International Star Award for her performance in “Babygirl.” Kidman dedicated her award to her late parents while tearing up and sharing her emotions with the audience and presenter Jamie Lee Curtis. Watch the full moving speech on our long-time media partner, Entertainment Tonight.
Additionally, our sympathies go out to Jamie Lee Curtis for the loss of her home in the Palisades fire.
2: Chairman Chandi thanks Harold Matzner
In a heartwarming and enthusiastic speech, Festival Chairman Nachhattar Chandi addresses the audience of thousands during the Palm Springs International Film Awards. He concluded his speech by honoring Immediate Past Chairman Harold Matzner for his guidance and friendship.
3: A sweet family moment for Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie’s appearance at the Awards Gala was truly a family affair! Her 19-year old daughter Zahara joined Jolie at the Gala and Afterparty, while the Desert Palm Achievement Award was presented by Jolie’s godmother, Jacqueline Bisset.
4: The Awards Gala continues to predict Awards Season success
Attendees raced from the Awards Gala Friday night, to the Variety Brunch on Saturday morning, to the Golden Globes in Los Angeles on Sunday night. The honorees from Palm Springs won big at the Golden Globes. Palm Springs is always a strong predictor for the Oscar race and overall Awards Season success.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that the Awards Gala was even more star-studded than usual because the Oscar race is truly still up for grabs. With no clear frontrunners, “this year’s PSIFF gala attracted the attendance of virtually all of this season’s top-tier contenders.”
5. The A-List mingles with the public at the Parker Afterparty
The Awards Gala After Party at the Parker Palm Springs is another opportunity for the public to brush shoulders with this year’s honorees. Who was spotted sipping champagne and noshing on caviar at the Parker? Angelina Jolie, Zahara Jolie, Colman Domingo, Demi Moore, Adrien Brody, Amy Adams, Mikey Madison, Karla Sofia Gascon, Zoe Saldana, and Selena Gomez. The Desert Sun has photos!
6: Palm Springs style was on full display
Both celebrities and locals bring their best Creative Black Tie to the Awards Gala. Palm Springs has been a center of style since its inception and the Awards Gala continues the tradition of fun and self-expression. Both Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar highlighted the red carpet looks.
If you’d like to read a wonderful play-by-play of the event, we recommend this wonderful article from Deadline. For event photos, we recommend this Desert Sun gallery.
All photos by Taya Gray and Andy Abeyta for The Desert Sun