The Palm Springs International Film Festival is starts today. It consists of loads of cool film-type things like movie screenings, Q&A’s, industry parties and my favorite part – their big Gala Saturday night. While I look for a fancy coat to put over my evening gown (that is going to be one chilly red carpet in the desert) I am also contemplating this party stop on the big-time movie award circuit. One year Richard Gere broke out a haiku. Another time Mariah Carey had a bit too much to bubbly and hijinks ensued. And then there are the criers. Lupita Nyong’o and Sandra Bullock both couldn’t stop the tears last year while they accepted their awards. Naomi Watts sobbed quietly the year before picking up her prize and Octavia Spencer let it flow the Gala before that. I always take a sip of wine when an award speechifier utters the word “journey” and there is usually a little Vegas-type action at this gorgeous event (Mercedes Benz and Entertainment Tonight are sponsors) for the criers. Just as the Gala folks are always pretty accurate in picking winners who end up accepting an Oscar at the end of the circuit, I can usually spot the criers. This year my money is on …
Spotlight Award Winner: J.K. Simmons
A close second. Desert Palm Achievement Award Winner: Julianne Moore
I know Simmons, the character actor who usually plays roles with a deadpan delivery doesn’t seem like a likely candidate, but my sense-of-waterworks keeps pointing in his direction. He will be on the circuit a lot for his turn in Whiplash. Moore is a contender as well, after her turn in Still Alice. Other fab folks winning awards in the desert this weekend (who may or may not get choked up) include: Rosamund Pike, David Oyelowo, Reese Witherspoon, Eddie Redmayne, Alejandro G. Inarritu, Robert Duvall, The cast of The Imitation Game, and Richard Linklater.
I will be on the carpet and inside the event tomorrow night. C’mon Simmons—it’s your party, you can cry if you want to! More to come…
