Leonardo DiCaprio could not attend one of the most important events on the film calendar in California due to travel restrictions arising from the tense geopolitical situation following the recent US airstrikes in Venezuela.
The 51-year-old actor was scheduled to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his performance in the Oscar-nominated film ‘One Battle After Another‘ during the Palm Spring International Film Festival Awards Galas, held on January 3.
However, DiCaprio did not manage to move from the island of St. Barts, where he was on vacation with his friends Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, due to unexpected interruptions in air traffic, as reported Variety.
In a statement sent to Entertainment Weekly, a festival spokesperson He explained that the actor could not accompany them in person due to “airspace restrictions and unforeseen travel interruptions.”. Still, the organization noted his legacy in the industry: “We are honored to recognize his exceptional work and enduring contributions to film. His talent and dedication continue to inspire, and we are delighted to honor him with the Desert Palm Achievement Award tonight.”
International stage complex
DiCaprio’s absence coincided with a complex international scenario. In the early hours of January 3, President Donald Trump oversaw attacks on Venezuelan territory as part of a proposed invasion, after which he announced the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Floreswho would face charges related to narcoterrorism.
In this context, Palm Springs International Airport reported that departure flights remained grounded due to an FAA air traffic control problem that affected several airports in Southern California.
Despite not being physically present, DiCaprio accepted the award in a pre-recorded video messagehosted by co-stars Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti.
In his speech, the actor thanked the recognition and took the opportunity to defend the collective experience of cinema: “Movies are still designed to be enjoyed together, in a room. Right now, that belief matters more than ever. It is not content, it is cinema: stories created by people to be shared in a community experience.”
The gala, which was held without the actor’s presence, brought together numerous top-level figures. Among those honored were Timothée Chalamet, Rose Byrne, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Hudson, Ethan Hawke, Adam Sandler and Elle Fanningamong others.
During the night, Hawke presented Amanda Seyfried with her own Desert Palm Achievement Award for her film The Testament of Ann Lee, on which occasion the actress dedicated a few words to DiCaprio: “I want to thank Leo for inspiring me to be an actor.”
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