In short, this is awards season in an oasis.
Every January, just after the New Year is rung in, stars head east to the Palm Springs International Film Festival Gala.
Here, against a mountain backdrop and rows of palm trees, Dale Chihuly-designed glass statues are bestowed upon Oscar hopefuls.
“I love it here, man!” said Julianne Moore, who was honored Saturday night with the Desert Palm Achievement Award for her work in Still Alice. (Moore’s “favorite fake husband,” her Crazy, Stupid, Love co-star Steve Carell, presented.) She spent the morning driving around looking at the modern architecture. “I want to come back with my (real) husband (Bart Freundlich),” she said.
This year’s crop of award recipients also included Robert Duvall (given the Icon Award), the cast of The Imitation Game, Eddie Redmayne, Reese Witherspoon andGone Girl’s Rosamund Pike (Breakthrough Performance Award).
As Redmayne accepted his Desert Palm Achievement Award for his portrayal ofStephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, he thanked “my life partner and, as of two weeks ago, my wife. It’s kind of weird saying that — but it’s a good weird.” Backstage, he snagged a hug from Moore, thanking her for presenting the award.
Cumberbatch was just off a plane from his holiday in the Caribbean, and brought his fiancée, Sophie Hunter, who wore a flowing purple-and-gold print gown. “Are you too cold? Let’s go in now,” he said, sweetly looking after her as they walked the red carpet together.
Witherspoon, recipient of the Chairman’s Award for Wild, was also back from a sunny vacation, and got an extra bonus this Christmas: Wild has now raked in more than $23 million at the box office. “When we actually crossed the number that it cost (to make), I was like ‘Oh, my gosh, I’m so happy!’ As a producer, it’s a great feeling,” she said.
With the Golden Globes looming Jan. 11, both Moore and Witherspoon said they were set with their gowns. How were they so on top of it? “We have the same stylist,” Witherspoon laughed.
Boyhood director Richard Linklater was honored with the Sonny Bono Visionary Award, bestowed by Shirley MacLaine. He’s been amazed at the reception for his coming-of-age film. “The film is so simple, but the way it seems to have connected with people is really special,” he said.