Key Facts
- ✓ The Palm Springs International Film Festival gala honored Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, Adam Sandler, and the film 'Hamnet'.
- ✓ Variety hosted its annual 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards brunch.
- ✓ Dwayne Johnson, Teyana Taylor, and Guillermo Del Toro were honored at the Variety brunch.
Quick Summary
The year 2026 began with a focus on awards season in California. Two major events took place in early January, drawing attention to top talent in the film industry.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival held its annual gala. This event honored several actors and films considered contenders for the Oscars. The festivities continued the next day with a brunch hosted by Variety. This brunch recognized emerging directors and established creatives making an impact.
Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala 🎬
The Palm Springs International Film Festival kicked off the year's events with its gala. This gathering is a key stop for Oscar hopefuls seeking recognition.
Among the honorees at the gala were:
- Timothée Chalamet
- Michael B. Jordan
- Adam Sandler
- The film “Hamnet”
These artists were recognized for their performances and contributions to cinema during the previous year. The festival serves as a major indicator for potential Academy Award nominations.
Variety's 10 Directors to Watch Brunch 📸
The morning following the Palm Springs gala, Variety hosted its annual brunch. This event focused on the 10 Directors to Watch and Creative Impact Awards.
The brunch honored a diverse group of creatives. Dwayne Johnson was celebrated, along with Teyana Taylor and Guillermo Del Toro. These awards highlight individuals who have made a significant mark on the industry.
The event took place in Los Angeles, bringing together industry professionals to acknowledge the year's achievements.
Key Honorees and Locations 🌟
The events highlighted a mix of established stars and new talent. Timothée Chalamet and Michael B. Jordan are frequent recipients of such accolades.
Guillermo Del Toro was also recognized for his creative impact. The Palm Springs International Film Festival and Variety events are staples of the early awards season calendar. The locations of Palm Springs and Los Angeles remain central to these celebrations.
Conclusion
Early January 2026 provided a clear look at the current state of the film industry. The Palm Springs International Film Festival gala and the Variety brunch set the tone for the rest of awards season.
With honorees like Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, and Guillermo Del Toro, the events underscored the talent driving cinema forward. These celebrations in California remain vital for recognizing artistic achievement.
