The Oscars are right around the corner, Golden Globes winners are basking in their glory, and an alphabet soup of behind-the-scenes-nominations and other glittering awards are within arm’s reach. The red carpet and shiny spotlight shifts to Hollywood this month, but it all begins in the desert as Oscar contenders hit the sand for the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
The movie shindig has been bestowing honors and accolades to some of Hollywood’s biggest names over the past 24 years.
In the recent days, the two Helens—Hunt and Mirren—were saluted for their work. Hunt was presented with the Spotlight Award and received high praise for her portrayal as a therapist in “The Sessions.”
“Few can claim the artistic distinctions of Helen Hunt,” Film Festival chair Harold Matzner said. “A consummate actress, director, producer and screenwriter, Hunt’s talents are myriad. From her award-winning portrayal of Jamie on ‘Mad About You,’ to her work on ‘Then She Found Me,’ Hunt has demonstrated that the sky’s the limit. In her latest film, ‘The Sessions,’ Hunt gives a bravura performance as a therapist helping a man who has spent his life in an iron lung and has a most unusual last wish.”
The multitalented, award-winning actress is also known for her performances in “As Good as it Gets,” “What Women Want,” “Castaway,” “Dr. T and the Women” and “Pay it Forward.”
The other Hollywood Helen, Helen Mirren, was also singled out for honors. The Oscar-winning actress was presented with the International Star Award, which recognizes an actor or actress who has achieved both critical and commercial success and recognition.
“With more than four decades’ work of memorable film, television and stage performances, Helen Mirren continues to be one of the most outstanding actresses of her generation,” Matzer said. Her most recent role is playing opposite Sir Anthony Hopkins in “Hitchcock,” which tells the tale of the complicated relationship between the famed “Psycho” director and his wife.
“In Hitchcock, Mirren delivers another virtuoso performance as Alma Reville, wife to the great master of cinema who was integral to creating his classic films.”
Mirren is a familiar face in the film industry. She received an Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA for her unforgettable portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in “The Queen.” She is also acclaimed for her work in “The Madness of King George,” “Gosford Park,” “The Last Station” and “Calendar Girls.”
Richard Gere received the Chairman’s Award at a starry gala hosted by Mary Hart. His most recent role was in “Arbitrage,” which Matzner called “one of his strongest career performances to date, bringing to life a hedge-fund magnate whose world is upended amid personal and professional turmoil.”
Other honorees included the cast of “Argo,” Bradley Cooper and Naomi Watts. “Lincoln’s” Sally Field, who as a wee-one, started out as surfer girl “Gidget,” received a standing ovation as she was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Malibu’s Martin Sheen.
The Oscars are still weeks away, so expect to see a lot of talent and style between now and then as the stars walk the red carpet walk and go on to celluloid glory.