After a dazzling awards gala opened the Palm Springs Film Festival, the spotlight shifted to Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch & Creative Impact Awards Presented by DIRECTV at the Parker Palm Springs hotel.
The red carpet showcased honorees before the presentation, where they engaged with Variety’s senior culture & events editor, Marc Malkin. Anna Kendrick, a newcomer in Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch, reminisced about the first day directing “Woman of the Hour.”
Kendrick shared, “Day one I was really worried about moving slowly on the first shot, of the first day, of the first Monday because it always sets the tone for the week.” The star-turned-director raced through setups to set a positive tone for the shoot.
Cord Jefferson, director of “American Fiction,” a fellow 10 to Watch initiate, expressed the nervous excitement of entering the world of film direction. “It’s a vulnerable thing to put out something when you’ve never done it before. To be commended with this honor is beyond my wildest dreams truly.”
Penélope Cruz, star of “Ferrari,” received the Creative Impact in Acting Award. Introduced by Sean Penn, her co-star from “21 Grams,” Penn praised Cruz’s ability to convey emotions across languages.
Cruz, humbled by the award, expressed gratitude for making a living out of acting. She shared, “This has been my passion since I was a little girl. When I get an award for doing what I love the most, it feels very confusing and shocking.”
Yorgos Lanthimos, director of “Poor Things,” was honored with the Creative Impact in Directing Award. Emma Stone, the film’s star, playfully communicated their unique collaboration with Lanthimos’ trademark absurdism.
Lanthimos reflected, “I’ve been able to make the films I wanted to make with complete freedom, and that makes me take full responsibility for what the film is.” He expressed his gratitude for working with wonderful actors, looking at Stone, Mark Ruffalo, and Willem Dafoe at his table.
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Eric Roth, co-writer of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” received the Creative Impact in Screenwriting Award. Lily Gladstone, the film’s star, introduced Roth and praised his ability to draw focus on Osage history.
Roth, while accepting the award, humbly stated, “I am just one voice. I dedicate this to the Osage people.”
Variety’s executive VP of global content, Steven Gaydos, welcomed guests, and Todd Gilchrist, focus senior editor, introduced the 10 Directors to Watch, highlighting the prestigious list that includes Blitz Bazawule, Ilker Çatak, Sophie Dupuis, Cord Jefferson, Titus Kaphar, Anna Kendrick, Kobi Libii, Aaron Schimberg, Ena Sendijarević, and Eva Trobisch.
In the star-studded embrace of the Palm Springs Film Festival, Variety’s Creative Impact Awards not only celebrated outstanding talent but illuminated the diverse facets of cinematic artistry.
This news was first published at variety.com.
