Leonardo DiCaprio was unable to attend the Palm Springs International Film Awards on Jan. 3 due to travel disruptions caused by airport delays and restricted airspace across California and the Caribbean.
Honored Despite Absence
DiCaprio was set to close the ceremony and receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his performance in “One Battle After Another.” Festival officials said they were disappointed he could not attend in person but praised his lasting contributions to cinema.
Video Message to the Crowd
Although absent, DiCaprio appeared via a prerecorded video after being introduced by co-stars Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti. He thanked the audience and reflected on the importance of preserving the theatrical moviegoing experience, calling cinema a communal art form.
Other Highlights of the Night
The ceremony featured appearances by several stars, including Timothée Chalamet, who received the Spotlight Actor of the Year Award, and Ethan Hawke, who accepted a Career Achievement Award and spoke about mental health, creativity and protecting what he called “the wild” in art.
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