Stars talk diversity, Debbie Reynolds at Palm Springs Film Festival
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — The 28th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Awards Gala brought the city to life with A-list actors all decked out for the kickoff event Monday night.
On the red carpet, La La Land director Damien Chazelle said he was inspired to create a musical to provide viewers with a comprehensive experience.
“I just felt there was something in the older musicals that we just don't see anymore — that pure unbridled emotion especially told through music,” he said.
Emma Stone, who is widely expected to receive an Oscar nomination for her La La Land performance, has strep throat and wasn't able to attend. But co-star Ryan Gosling echoed Chazelle.
"It's wildly different. But as fun as it looks,” he said. “We all knew we were having an opportunity that we were very lucky to have. Our job was just to come through for him. To help him pull it over the finish line.”
Later, as Gosling received the Vanguard Award, he cited Debbie Reynolds, who died Dec. 28. "We watched Singin' in the Rain (starring Reynolds) every day for inspiration," he said.
Natalie Portman, who played the namesake first lady in critically acclaimed Jackie, spoke of the difficulties of embodying American icon Jackie Kennedy. "It is added pressure because you need to be first and foremost believable to an audience,” she said.
Singer Janelle Monáe described Moonlight star Mahershala Ali as "my brother" while presenting him with the Breakthrough Performance Award.
Later in the evening, Monáe was honored with the cast of Hidden Figures and suggested that that film "serves as a reminder of what we can do when we get rid of ‘isms.’ ... I hope it serves as a reminder that we can achieve the extraordinary."
Andrew Garfield accepted the Spotlight Award for his performance as a pacifist Seventh-day Adventist who becomes a World War II hero. He offered a New Year's wish for unity framed as a remembrance of the character he played in Hacksaw Ridge, Desmond Doss.
“He had a knowing inside of himself that we are all brothers and sisters, and that if I injure you, then I’m actually injuring myself,” said Garfield. “He was a personification of love. ... In this often troubling world, he is a terrific reminder of what’s possible: to live a humble life devoted to loving and serving our fellow man as we would have them love us. We need more Desmond Dosses in this world.”
Garfield added that Tom Hanks, who received the Icon Award for his performance in Sully, was responsible for making him want to go into acting, especially his work in Big and Joe Versus the Volcano. Hanks presented Portman with the Desert Palm Achievement Award, describing her as a "mystery we should know much more about.”
Portman called Hanks "an inspiration to us all." When Hanks accepted his own award, he joked that he was thrilled that the festival "had finally given some love to Joe Versus the Volcano."
Amy Adams, who accepted the Chairman’s Award from Garfield for her performance as a linguist in Arrival, said her New Year's resolution was to practice gratitude, adding that the film celebrates hope and love.
"That's why I am grateful," she said. "For the love I got from my family and I got from this community."
Contributing: Corinne Kennedy, Anna Rumer and Sarah Day Owen