Leonardo DiCaprio will miss the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala after unexpected airspace restrictions prevented him from traveling to the Saturday night (January 3, 2026) ceremony.
The Oscar-winning actor was scheduled to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his performance in Paul Thomas Anderson‘s One Battle After Another. However, according to multiple reports, DiCaprio was unable to depart from St. Barts, where he was vacationing with family and friends during the New Year holiday.
A spokesperson for the Palm Springs International Film Festival confirmed the actor’s absence in an official statement. “Leonardo DiCaprio is unable to join us in person tonight due to unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace,” the spokesperson said. “While we will miss celebrating with him in person, we are honored to recognize his exceptional work and lasting contributions to cinema.”
The travel disruptions stem from a broader crisis involving Venezuela. Early Saturday morning, President Donald Trump announced military strikes on Venezuelan soil, including the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The geopolitical situation triggered widespread air traffic control issues across Southern California.
“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. His talent and dedication to the craft continue to inspire, and we are delighted to celebrate him with the Desert Palm Achievement Award this evening,” the festival said in a statement.
Palm Springs International Airport released a statement addressing the travel complications. “An FAA air traffic control issue is impacting Southern California airspace today,” the airport confirmed. “Departing flights are currently under a ground stop. Aircraft have been able to arrive, though some inbound flights have diverted and delays are expected.”
The statement added that the restrictions were “not specific to PSP and is affecting multiple SoCal airports.” Travelers were advised to check directly with airlines for the latest flight information.
Despite missing the ceremony in person, DiCaprio will still be honored at the event. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the festival will play a recorded acceptance speech from the actor following a tribute from his One Battle After Another co-stars Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti.
The timing of DiCaprio’s absence is particularly notable given the film’s recent success. Earlier Saturday, One Battle After Another was named Best Picture by the National Society of Film Critics. The film has grossed over $205 million worldwide and is considered an Academy Award frontrunner.
DiCaprio remains active in the awards circuit despite the setback. He is nominated for Best Actor at the Critics’ Choice Awards on Sunday and is expected to compete for Best Performance by a Male Actor at the Golden Globe Awards on January 11.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala proceeded as scheduled with other high-profile honorees in attendance, including Timothée Chalamet, Miley Cyrus, Kate Hudson, Adam Sandler, Rose Byrne, Michael B. Jordan, and Ethan Hawke.
The festival, which runs from January 2-11, is recognized as the largest film festival for world cinema in the United States. This year’s ceremony takes place at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
The Venezuelan military strike that disrupted travel plans has drawn significant political controversy. The Senate is preparing to vote next week on a bipartisan war powers resolution aimed at blocking further military action in Venezuela.
