Leonardo DiCaprio misses Palm Springs Film Awards due to US attacking Venezuela

A spokesperson for festival confirmed that DiCaprio could not attend because of disruptions and restricted airspace

Leonardo DiCaprio was unable to attend the Palm Springs International Film Awards after unexpected travel disruptions prevented him from reaching the ceremony.

The actor had been scheduled to appear at the annual awards gala to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his performance in One Battle After Another. However, DiCaprio was traveling in St. Barths at the time and was unable to leave due to restricted airspace and flight disruptions tied to escalating geopolitical events involving Venezuela.

A spokesperson for the Palm Springs International Film Festival confirmed that DiCaprio could not attend because of unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace, but said organizers were still proud to honor him. The award was presented during the ceremony despite his absence.

Festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi praised DiCaprio’s performance, calling it “riveting and emotionally charged,” and highlighted the actor’s decades-long influence on the film industry. DiCaprio was recognized alongside several other high-profile honorees as part of the festival’s kickoff to awards season.

Although he missed the event in person, DiCaprio remains a major contender this awards season. His performance in One Battle After Another has earned critical acclaim, and he is expected to be in the conversation for additional honors in the coming weeks.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival continues through mid-January, celebrating standout films and performances while serving as one of the first major stops on the road to the Oscars.