Leonardo DiCaprio Skips Awards Show Due to Trump’s Controversial War
Leonardo DiCaprio’s absence from the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s 37th Annual Awards Gala has drawn attention due to recent events in Venezuela. The Oscar-winning actor missed the ceremony, where he was set to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award, because of the chaos following President Donald Trump’s military actions in the region.
DiCaprio’s Award and Absence
On January 3, 2026, DiCaprio was scheduled to be honored for his role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, *One Battle After Another*. However, as U.S. special forces conducted a controversial mission resulting in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, DiCaprio found himself stranded on the Caribbean island of St. Barts, approximately 600 miles from Caracas.
The situation led to significant disruptions in air travel, with major airlines canceling numerous flights across the Caribbean area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposed airspace closures, impacting commercial activity until at least 1 p.m. the following day.
Recognition and Tribute
Unable to attend the gala, DiCaprio sent a recorded acceptance speech, thanking those involved in the event. His co-stars, Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, acknowledged his achievements in their stage tribute. DiCaprio expressed regret in his message, stating, “I’m stuck on the East Coast. I wish I was there to celebrate with all of you.”
Statement from Festival Spokesperson
- The festival spokesperson said that DiCaprio’s absence was due to airspace restrictions.
- They emphasized the actor’s significant contributions to cinema, stating, “We are honored to recognize his exceptional work.”
Flight Disruptions
At Palm Springs International Airport, departures were completely halted on Saturday afternoon, with many flights diverted. DiCaprio was notably the only award recipient unable to attend the event, with other stars such as Miley Cyrus and Timothée Chalamet present.
Personal Life amid Political Tensions
On January 1, DiCaprio was seen enjoying time on a yacht near St. Barts with model Vittoria Ceretti and other high-profile friends, including Amazon head Jeff Bezos. This incident adds to the strained relationship between DiCaprio and Trump, particularly given DiCaprio’s advocacy for climate change and his support for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
His post on Instagram emphasized the need for leaders who prioritize ecological policies, reinforcing his position within the political landscape.
