Overview
- Leonardo DiCaprio missed receiving the Desert Palm Achievement Award because of reported air restrictions and delivered a prerecorded speech that defended theatrical cinema over streaming content.
- His award, originally slated to close the night, was moved to mid-ceremony as co-stars Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti introduced his video message.
- Timothée Chalamet accepted the Spotlight Award for A24’s "Marty Supreme," entering through a back entrance with Kylie Jenner before addressing the audience onstage.
- Ethan Hawke received the Career Achievement Award and delivered an emotional speech on the same day the National Society of Film Critics named him best actor for "Blue Moon."
- Miley Cyrus accepted Outstanding Artistic Achievement for the "Avatar: Fire & Ash" song "Dream as One," speaking about reinvention as the festival continues through Jan. 12 with 168 films from 72 countries.