A Dream Created by Sonny Bono
Story and Photos by Pat Krause
A dream created by Sonny Bono 37 years ago has grown into one of the desert’s most celebrated annual events. What began as an idea rooted in a love for film and culture has become a global gathering, drawing celebrities and movie fans from around the world to the Coachella Valley.
Kate Hudson
This year’s festival featured 170 films from 70 different countries, screened from January 2 through January 12 at nine local theaters. It was truly global storytelling—films that made audiences laugh, cry, think, and see parts of the world they may never visit in person. The festival is about far more than simply watching movies. Opening and closing night films and their accompanying parties were once again sold out, setting the tone for days filled with excitement and conversation.
Miley Cyrus
There were elegant dinner parties tied to film screenings, intimate “Talking Films” sessions where directors and actors shared insights into their work, and even a Family Day offering free PG-rated movies. While international films are a major focus, the program also included many U.S. productions featuring well-known movie stars. The festival is also an awards event that recognizes actors, directors, and filmmakers for their creativity and artistry.
Ethan Hawke
The biggest night of all was the Awards Gala on Saturday evening. Photographers lined the red carpet, ready for that perfect celebrity moment, while television crews waited eagerly for on-camera interviews. It was the most anticipated night of the festival, bringing major stars into the spotlight.
Specialty Awards were presented to Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Amanda Seyfried for The Testament of Ann Lee, Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, Adam Sandler for Jay Kelly, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, and Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another.
Singer Miley Cyrus received the inaugural award for Outstanding Artistic Achievement for Dream As One. Director Guillermo del Toro was honored for Frankenstein, joined by actors Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth. Director Chloé Zhao was recognized for Hamnet, with actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. The International Star Award went to Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning for Sentimental Value. These are films and performances to watch, as many are expected to be strong contenders during awards season. The festival has a long track record of spotting future Oscar winners.
Kate Hudson
Presenters included a mix of established stars and rising talent such as Meghann Fahy, Joachim Trier, Josh Safdie, Paul Feig, Mahershala Ali, Jane Fonda, Colman Domingo, Jack Champion, Laura Dern, Rob Marshall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti—well-known names alongside new faces in cinema.
Local notables were also in attendance, including Nachattar Singh Chandi, Artistic Director Lili Rodriguez, Reid D. Milanovich, Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and his family, as well as Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto. The presenting sponsor was the City of Palm Springs, with Kering as the Gala Sponsor. Scenario Communications helped bring it all together. It truly takes many sponsors and countless dedicated people to produce an event of this magnitude, one that continues to fulfill a dream started decades ago.
Pat Krause
