By Jack Lyons -- Theatre and Film Critic. Member of American Theatre Critics Association Member Academy of Television Arts and Sciences

It took a worldwide pandemic in 2020 -2021 to postpone; then cancel one of the biggest events in the entertainment industry.  The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) that has come to be known as the first stop on the pathway for Academy Award consideration was heavily impacted by the pandemic.  Now, however, the journey can again march on toward Hollywood and the Oscars.

PSIFF officials clocked in more than 135,000 sophisticated movie aficionados and fans of foreign films during the 10-day 2019 Festival before postponing its 2020 festival due to Covid-19’s federally mandated guidelines.  Award shows everywhere went on holiday for over twenty months.

The 2022 festival event is being presented once again by American Express and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight for films screened in 2021.  The 2022 event officially opens Thursday, January 6, 2022, with a star-studded Gala, and film awards ceremony at the Palm Springs Convention Center to honor some of best in cinema during 2021.  The ceremonies begin with Hostess Mary Hart, of Entertainment Tonight who once again will launch the star-studded evening’s festivities. 

Festival Chairman Harold Matzner honors the crème del a crème of 2021 produced films along with the stars, directors, and producers of special recognition awards.  It’s the country's first major film festival recognized by Hollywood as a precursor to films screened here in Palm Springs every year, become indicators of potential Oscar winners. 

The list of honorees this year feature such luminaries as:  Jennifer Hudson, the 2022 recipient of the Chairman’s award for the film “Respect”, the Aretha Franklin biopic; Australian filmmaker Jane Campion, is the recipient of the Director of the Year Award for “The Power of the Dog”;   Nicole Kidman is being honored with the Career Achievement Award for her incredible body of work over the years; 

Jessica Chastain is the 2021 recipient of the Desert Palm Achievement Award for her impressive portrayal in “The Eyes of Tammy Faye”; Penelope Cruz is the recipient of the International Star Award for “Parallel Mothers” written and directed by the great Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar; Kristen Stewart is honored as Spotlight Award recipient for the film “Spencer” the Princess Diana story; Andrew Garfield receives the Desert Palm Achievement Award for the film “Tick, Tick …Boom".

The 2021 festival also honored two films with the coveted Vanguard Award for Best Ensemble Performance in 2021 film “Belfast”, during the devastating Irish civil war drama written and directed by Kenneth Branagh.   The film “King Richard” the biopic of the amazing tennis champion sisters Serena and Venus Williams and their controversial father/coach Richard Williams, portrayed by Will Smith, also has been so honored. The Desert Star Weekly went to press before more honorees have since been announced.  There will be more stars announced.  Stay tuned.

“Variety” the journal and voice of American show business has announced that it will honor Spanish actor Javier Bardem by naming him their 2021 recipient of Variety’s Creative Impact Award for acting.  They will similarly honor Iranian-born Academy-award-winning film director Asghar Fahradi for a Creative Impact Award in directing.  The Variety awards will be given at a private luncheon held in Palm Springs during the festival.  So check the festival website at www.psfilmfest.org for the latest news concerning the festival. 

It’s January in Palm Springs, when the festival opens but we are located in the desert where the evenings can get quite chilly after sundown.  Bring warm clothing and long pants for both men and women.  Scarfs and gloves will come in handy too.

The Opening Night film to be screened at the Palm Springs High School auditorium is “Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over” a biopic that chronicles the fabulous career of Dionne Warwick from humble beginnings singing in New Jersey church choirs to becoming an international superstardom legend. 

The people that curate all 130 films that will be seen over the 10 days of movies is led by Festival  Artistic Director, Lili Rodriguez and her team of talented and seasoned film programmer from all over the world includes: Alissa Simon, David Ansen, Jane Schoettie, Hebe Tabachnik, Therese Hayes, Celine Roustan, Jessica Eskelin, Jennifer Van Camp, and Stephanie Pineda.  If one cannot find a great film to see and enjoy… you’re not looking hard enough.  There are gems at this festival just waiting for you to attend. 

For ticket information, festival passes, and the rules and regulations, plus vaccination documents for entry to all public venues call the Box Office at 800 – 898 – 7256 or go online to www.psfilmfest.org.