The Awards Part Of Awards Season Springs Into Action In The Desert At Star Studded PSIFF Gala

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The Palm Spring International Film Awards Gala is always fun, and always BIG with a captial ‘B’. This year’s 36th edition, the 20th hosted by indefatigable Mary Hart who keeps it rolling along, no break for chat and dinner because once it starts you just eat while you applaud the many stars, and equally starry presenters handing them their very, shall we say, unique statuettes.

The recipients are always, repeat always, plucked from the creme de la creme of Oscar hopefuls, and in fact as this season jumps into hyper gear with one ceremony after another, continuing with the Golden Globes tomorrow (the holidays are over, the Hollywood days have begun), every single one of Friday night’s PSIFF Awards Gala honorees, you will also see changing into formal attire and walking the red carpet at the Beverly Hilton on Sunday.

This event was a warmup, a chance to try out heartfelt, humorous speeches we are likely to be hearing variations of all season long from the lucky few who manage to go all the way to the Dolby in March.

Fasten your seatbelts. Palm Springs, however, holds a certain charm in all its gaudiness, and considering the vast wealth and finery on view, I was shocked to see it was “black tie optional.” There were few in the sharply dressed and cavernous Palm Springs Convention Center who dressed down.