Leonardo DiCaprio Skips Palm Springs Fest Due to Venezuela Strike
Leonardo DiCaprio will not attend the 2026 Palm Springs Film Festival due to travel disruptions caused by recent U.S. military action in Venezuela. The actor was scheduled to receive the prestigious Desert Palm Achievement Award for his performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, “One Battle After Another.”
Event Details
The festival’s organizing committee issued a statement regarding DiCaprio’s absence, explaining, “Leonardo DiCaprio is unable to join us in person tonight due to unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace. While we will miss celebrating with him in person, we are honored to recognize his exceptional work and lasting contributions to cinema.”
Travel Disruptions and Airspace Restrictions
- Location: Palm Springs International Airport
- Impact: Travel restrictions affecting Southern California airspace
- Status: Departing flights placed under a ground stop; arrivals continued, though some were diverted
This year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival runs from January 2 to January 11. The awards gala is taking place tonight at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The event will feature notable attendees, including actors Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, and Adam Sandler.
Film Highlights
“One Battle After Another” has grossed over $205 million globally and is anticipated to be a contender at the upcoming Academy Awards. Earlier today, the film was honored as Best Picture by the National Society of Film Critics for 2025.
Political Context
The backdrop to DiCaprio’s absence stems from a U.S. military operation in Venezuela, ordered by President Donald Trump. This operation has raised concerns over legality and sparked criticism from political opposition. Trump cited Venezuela’s oil reserves and alleged involvement in drug trafficking as reasons for the intervention.
As the awards circuit progresses, DiCaprio continues to be a frontrunner for Best Actor at the Critics’ Choice Awards. His absence during this significant event at the Palm Springs Film Festival marks a noteworthy point in this year’s film awards season.
