Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio was notably absent from the prestigious Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala, with organisers confirming his no-show was due to severe travel disruptions linked to the escalating geopolitical situation involving Venezuela.
Awards Night Snag Due to Airspace Restrictions
According to a report by Variety, the Oscar-winning actor was unable to travel from the island of St. Barts, where he was on a holiday with family and friends. The festival, held on January 4, 2026, was set to honour DiCaprio with the coveted Desert Palm Achievement Award for his acclaimed performance in the film 'One Battle After Another'.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for the Palm Springs International Film Festival expressed regret over the actor's absence. "Leonardo DiCaprio is unable to join us in person tonight due to unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace," the statement read. It further added that while they missed his physical presence, the festival was proud to recognise his exceptional contributions to cinema.
Geopolitical Crisis Grounds Flights
The travel chaos coincided with a major international development earlier on Saturday. United States President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been taken into U.S. custody. This action triggered widespread disruptions in flight operations across Southern California.
The Palm Springs International Airport confirmed the issues on social media platform X, announcing a ground stop for departing flights. They cited an FAA air traffic control issue impacting the region's airspace, leading to diversions and delays at multiple airports. Travellers were advised to check directly with their airlines for updates.
Awards Season Momentum Unaffected
Despite missing the Palm Springs gala, DiCaprio remains a central figure in the current awards season. His latest film, 'One Battle After Another', directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, has already secured significant acclaim. On the same Saturday, the film won the Best Picture award from the National Society of Film Critics.
Furthermore, DiCaprio's performance has earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the upcoming Critics' Choice Awards. The Palm Springs festival proceeded to honour other luminaries, including Timothee Chalamet, Kate Hudson, Michael B. Jordan, Chloe Zhao, and Guillermo del Toro.
The incident highlights how global political events can have unexpected ripple effects, even impacting high-profile cultural ceremonies in the entertainment world.
