Leonardo DiCaprio did not attend the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala on Saturday night, where he was scheduled to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his role in the film "One Battle After Another." His absence was attributed to air travel restrictions and unexpected disruptions stemming from a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which led to a ground stop at Southern California airports, including Palm Springs International Airport. The festival proceeded with honoring other notable figures in cinema.
Travel Disruptions and Airspace Restrictions
Leonardo DiCaprio was reportedly unable to depart St. Barts, where he had been vacationing prior to the New Year, due to air restrictions in the region. These restrictions were linked to a developing international situation involving Venezuela.
A spokesperson for the Palm Springs International Film Festival confirmed DiCaprio's absence, stating he was "unable to join us in person tonight due to unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace." The festival noted its honor in recognizing his "exceptional work and lasting contributions to cinema."
Palm Springs International Airport issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) announcing a ground stop for departing flights. The airport clarified that an "FAA air traffic control issue" was impacting Southern California airspace, affecting multiple airports in the region. While aircraft were able to arrive, some inbound flights were diverted, and delays were anticipated.
Geopolitical Context: U.S. Actions in Venezuela
The travel restrictions were a consequence of U.S. military actions in Venezuela. Earlier on Saturday morning, President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cila Flores, had been taken into U.S. custody following an overnight military operation conducted on Venezuelan soil. Reports indicated that Maduro and Flores were transported to New York to face charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy and using destructive devices against the United States.
President Trump cited Venezuela’s oil reserves and alleged involvement in drug trafficking to the U.S. as reasons for the military intervention. This action reportedly proceeded without Congressional approval. Some Democrats have drawn comparisons to the Iraq War, and the Senate is reportedly preparing to vote on a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at blocking further U.S. offensive actions in Venezuela.
Recognition for "One Battle After Another"
Despite DiCaprio's absence, his performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's film "One Battle After Another" has garnered significant critical attention. The film was named Best Picture of 2025 by the National Society of Film Critics earlier on Saturday and has achieved over $205 million globally at the box office. DiCaprio, who portrays an ex-revolutionary in the film, is also nominated for Best Actor at the Critics' Choice Awards.
Festival Awards Gala Proceedings
The Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala was held at the Palm Springs Convention Center during the festival's run from January 2-11. Other industry figures were honored at the event, including:
- Amanda Seyfried: Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress, for The Testament of Ann Lee.
- Timothée Chalamet: Spotlight Actor of the Year Award for Marty Supreme.
- Rose Byrne: Breakthrough Performance Award for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.
- Kate Hudson: Icon Award for Song Sung Blue.
- Michael B. Jordan: Icon Award for Sinners.
- Ethan Hawke: Career Achievement Award for Blue Moon.
- Adam Sandler: Chairman’s Award for Jay Kelly.
- Miley Cyrus: Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award for her song “Dream As One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash.
The festival also presented specific recognitions:
- Vanguard Award: To director Chloé Zhao and actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal for the film Hamnet.
- Visionary Award: To director Guillermo del Toro and actors Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth for Frankenstein.
- International Star Award: To Joachim Trier’s film Sentimental Value, marking its inaugural presentation to an ensemble, including cast members Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning.
Additionally, the festival featured the return of its Book to Screen program, organized in partnership with Deadline. Variety was among the first news outlets to report on DiCaprio's absence.