Image: Dewayne Johnson, "The Rock" and Coleman Domingo

Variety Red Carpet Brunch

Story and Photos by Pat Krause

Variety once again delivered a creative and lively Impact Awards Brunch, held the day after the Awards Gala. This annual gathering not only celebrates standout achievements but also announces Variety’s highly anticipated list of 10 Directors to Watch—filmmakers who have made a strong impression with exceptional work.

Reid Milanovich and family

This year, Guillermo del Toro received the Creative Impact Award, honoring his continued influence and imagination in cinema. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was presented with the Variety Creative Impact in Acting Award, recognizing his work and growing range as a performer. Teyana Taylor was honored with the Creative Impact in Breakthrough Performance Award for her rising presence and powerful performances. Presenting the awards were Colman Domingo, Chase Infiniti, and Oscar Isaac, adding star power and warmth to the celebration.

Oscar Isaac and Guillermo del Toro

The announcement of the 10 New Talents in Directing was a highlight of the brunch. This year’s list included Akinola Davies Jr. for My Father’s Shadow; Beth de Araújo for Josephine; Jan-Ole Gerster for Islands; Sarah Goher for Happy Birthday; Dave Green for Coyote v. Acme; Chandler Levack for Mile End Kicks; Harry Lighton for Pillion; N.B. Mager for Run Amok; Kristen Stewart for The Chronology of Water; and Walter Thompson-Hernández for If I Go Will They Miss Me. It was an impressive lineup of fresh voices and bold storytelling, representing the future of filmmaking.

Adam Sandler

The event was held at the iconic Parker Palm Springs. Traditionally, the brunch takes place outdoors, with the Red Carpet set in the garden area. This year, however, Mother Nature had other plans. Rain sprinkled across the valley, forcing both the brunch and the Red Carpet indoors. Despite the change in setting, the atmosphere remained elegant and celebratory.

Rose Byrne - Rose Byrne and Mona Fastoid

The Variety Red Carpet Brunch continues to be a special and meaningful part of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. It shines a spotlight on emerging directors while honoring artists whose work is shaping today’s film landscape, making it an event that is both inspiring and essential to the festival each year.

Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti