The 35th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards took place on January 4th, bringing together Hollywood’s biggest stars to kick off awards season. As expected, the red carpet was filled with eye-catching fashion and moving speeches.
Margot Robbie Stuns in Hot Pink
Margot Robbie led the pack of A-listers making a splash on the red carpet. The actress, who portrays Barbie in the upcoming film, channeled the iconic doll in a bright pink off-the-shoulder Balmain gown with a voluminous skirt and polka dot accents. She completed the look with matching pink satin heels and diamond drop earrings. Her appearance builds major anticipation for the highly-awaited Barbie movie set to premiere later this year.
“I wanted to wear pink. I thought it was only appropriate for Barbie,” Robbie told reporters.
Emma Stone Earns Career Honor
Emma Stone received the prestigious Spotlight Award from the festival, recognizing her impressive career achievements so far. The actress dazzled in a custom Louis Vuitton suit with a bustier top and voluminous sleeves.
“I can’t believe I’m here on this stage right now…I’m so grateful to be here and be recognized,” Stone said in her acceptance speech.
The Oscar-winner stars in the upcoming film Poor Things alongside Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo. She portrays a woman brought back to life by an eccentric scientist in the dark comedy based on Alasdair Gray’s novel.
Meryl Streep Presents Icon Award
The legendary Meryl Streep presented the Icon Award to her friend and colleague Viola Davis. Streep captivated in a long-sleeve black gown with a glittering neckline.
“You uaushered in a new era in Hollywood,” Streep praised Davis. “I’m in awe.”
Davis gave a powerful speech emphasizing the importance of diverse representation and fighting unconscious bias in the entertainment industry upon accepting the award.
Young Talent Takes Center Stage
The film festival also showcased Hollywood’s rising talents. Singer Billie Eilish attended with her brother Finneas to present the Breakthrough Performance Award to Aftersun actress Frankie Corio. 18-year-old Corio earned rave reviews for her film debut portraying a young girl on vacation with her father.
Other young standouts included Wakanda Forever star Tenoch Huerta, who introduced the Rising Star Award honoree Danielle Deadwyler.
Red Carpet Fashion Trends
| Celebrity | Designer | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Margot Robbie | Balmain | Hot pink, polka dots, off-shoulder |
| Emma Stone | Louis Vuitton | Black suit, bustier top, voluminous sleeves |
| Carey Mulligan | Valentino | White column gown with gold cape |
| Taraji P. Henson | Elie Saab | Navy blue sequined jumpsuit |
| Lily Gladstone | The Row | Midnight blue gown with keyhole neckline |
Sequins and embellishments added glamour to the evening’s styles, seen on Taraji P. Henson’s Elie Saab jumpsuit and Emma Stone’s Louis Vuitton top. White gowns made a strong appearance with stars like Carey Mulligan stunning in a caped Valentino look. Midnight blue hues were also popular, modeled by actress Lily Gladstone in a figure-hugging gown from The Row.
Of course, pops of color made a statement as well. Orange, green, yellow and pink enlivened the carpet and captured attention.
What Happens Next?
The Palm Springs Film Festival marked the first in a series of awards season events leading up to the Oscars in March. After the desert celebration, honorees and presenters will come together at other prestigious ceremonies including the Critics Choice Awards, SAG Awards, and BAFTA Awards. These events offer further opportunities for stars to be recognized for their work last year.
Based on reactions at Palm Springs, Margot Robbie’s Barbie film and Emma Stone’s upcoming comedy Poor Things are shaping up to be ones to watch. Of course industry legends like Meryl Streep and Viola Davis continue to inspire with their grace, talent and advocacy. As for fashion, the vibrant, glitzy styles previewed in the desert provide hints at more dazzling designer looks to come over the next two months.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival set the stage for an exciting awards season. Hollywood came together to uplift superb acting and filmmaking talent, important social messages, and visionary creators.
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