William Belleau, Tatanka Means, Yancy Redcorn, Janae Collins, Jillian Dion, Cara Jade Myers, Tantoo Cardinal, Talee Redcorn.

Story and Photos Pat Krause:

The 35th anniversary of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, PSIFF, was held at the Palm Springs Convention Center again this year. It is the most prominent event in the Coachella Valley, where some of the top names in the film industry come to Palm Springs to celebrate and receive awards for their work. Many people gathered outside the Convention Center, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite movie stars. Some were lucky enough to get a photo or autograph when Greta Gerwig, Lenny Kravitz, and Leonardo DiCaprio arrived in the crowd. Fans screamed with excitement as each celebrity made an appearance.

Nachhattar Singh Chandi and guests-Photo Pat Krause

The Red Carpet was a spectacle of glamour and prestige, awash with photographers and TV crews, each eager to capture the arrival of the night's honorees and presenters. Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connor were honored with the Chairman's Award, presented by the acclaimed Greta Gerwig. Cillian Murphy and Emma Stone each received the Desert Palm Achievement Award for their roles in "Oppenheimer" and "Poor Things," respectively. The Spotlight Awards celebrated the talents of Colman Domingo and Danielle Brooks, while Paul Giamatti and DaVine Joy Randolph were lauded for their performances in "The Holdovers."

Eva Longoria, Jesse Garcia, and Annie Gonzales -Photo by Pat Krause

The Director of the Year accolade was bestowed upon Greta Gerwig for her work in "Barbie," Carey Mulligan received the International Star Award for "Maestro." Jeffrey Wright was honored with the Career Achievement Award. The Vanguard Award was a highlight, celebrating the cast of "Killers of the Flower Moon," directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Lilly Gladstone, Robert DeNiro, Jesse Plemons, and others. However, DiCaprio was notably absent from the group photo.

Finneas O'Connell and Billie Eilish-Photo Pat Krause

Some of my biggest thrills as a photographer on the Red Carpet were the presence of iconic presenters such as Meryl Streep, Leslie Uggams, Robert Downey Jr., Willem Dafoe, Lenny Kravitz, Margot Robbie, Sandra Oh, Mark Ruffalo, America Ferrera, Taraji P. Henson, and Blitz Bazawule. Other stars like Kirsten Dunst, Eva Longoria, Joely Fisher, and Jennifer Esposito added to the night's allure, each adding their unique charisma.

Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr.-Photo Pat Krause

The awards ceremony unfolded within the splendid halls of the Palm Springs Convention Center, set against a panorama of sparkling decor and an exquisite dinner. The evening was marked by the eloquent address of Nachhattar Singh Chandi, the newly appointed Festival Chairman. He succeeded Harold Matzner, bringing a fresh vision while honoring the festival's legacy of philanthropic excellence. Adding to the allure of the night was the ever-charming Mary Hart, who graced the stage as the emcee. Her warmth and familiarity were a beacon of continuity in an event shimmering with the glamour of the attending stars.

Lennie Kravitz and Willem Dafoe-Photo Pat Krause

The PSIFF, a harbinger of future Golden Globe and Oscar successes, showcased an impressive lineup of 180 films from 75 countries. Beyond the screenings, the festival was a vibrant tableau of coffee chats, Q&A sessions, culinary experiences, and afterparties, all condensed into 11 days of cinematic wonder.

 Paul Giamotti -Photo Pat Krause

Lily Gladstone and Leonardo DiCaprio -Photo Pat Krause

Carey Mulligan and Meryl Streep-Photo Pat Krause

  DaVine Joy Randolph-Photo Pat Krause