Leonardo DiCaprio Misses Palm Springs Awards After Travel Disruptions

4 January 2026

When the 37th Palm Springs International Film Awards took place in early January 2026, one of Hollywood’s most famous stars was noticeably absent from the red carpet and gala celebrations even though he was being honoured with one of the event’s top awards, a moment that became as much about global politics and travel disruption as it was about cinema and artistic achievement. Leonardo DiCaprio, the 51-year-old Oscar-winning actor widely recognised for his work in films ranging from Titanic to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and more recently his performance in One Battle After Another, was set to receive the prestigious Desert Palm Achievement Award for Best Actor but was forced to skip the ceremony because of unprecedented airspace restrictions triggered by U.S. military action in Venezuela that grounded flights across the Caribbean and southern United States, leaving the actor stranded and unable to reach California in time for the event.

DiCaprio had been vacationing over the New Year period in the Caribbean, a popular holiday destination for many entertainers and athletes. He was in St Barths with friends when the situation dramatically changed due to a large-scale military operation authorised by President Donald Trump against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government, a campaign the U.S. administration justified by accusing Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking and other serious crimes. These military strikes and the resulting geopolitical instability prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to impose restrictions on air traffic in the region, effectively shutting down commercial and private flights for several hours and leaving many travellers, including DiCaprio, without a way to leave.

Originally scheduled to be among the stars receiving accolades at the Palm Springs festival on January 3, DiCaprio instead found himself at the centre of an unusual intersection between celebrity culture and international affairs. Organisers of the film awards confirmed that he was unable to attend in person due to “unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace,” noting that while his physical presence was missed, they were still proud to present him with the Desert Palm Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to cinema. In response to the travel chaos, some airlines even waived change fees and offered accommodation assistance to affected passengers, but the widespread flight cancellations remained a significant logistical challenge.

Although DiCaprio could not be there in the flesh, the festival did not let the moment pass quietly. Colleagues and fellow honorees acknowledged him during the ceremony, and he accepted the award through a pre-recorded video message that underscored his gratitude and his enduring belief in the power of filmmaking. In that message he reflected on the communal nature of cinema and the way movies bring people together in shared cultural experiences, commenting that even in an age of digital distribution and fragmenting audiences, there is still something irreplaceable about the traditional theatrical experience. His acceptance speech was applauded in the room and watched by many of his peers, bridging the gap between his absence and his artistic legacy.

The situation also became fodder for commentary in both entertainment and political media. Some observers noted how rare it is for international affairs to have such a direct impact on a high-profile awards ceremony, especially one as significant as Palm Springs, which is seen as an important precursor to the Oscars and a showcase for many films expected to compete in major awards season conversations. Others pointed out that DiCaprio’s predicament highlighted the increasingly unpredictable nature of global travel during times of conflict, especially for prominent figures whose schedules are often tightly coordinated around appearances, press tours and festival commitments.

Despite the travel drama, the Palm Springs International Film Festival proceeded with a rich slate of awards and recognitions that celebrated achievements from films and performers spanning the previous year. Other honourees included Timothée Chalamet, who received a spotlight award for his role in Marty Supreme, as well as celebrated actors such as Rose Byrne, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Hudson and others who were honoured for their contributions to cinema. The festival attracted attention not only for its awards but for its role in showcasing films from around the world and spotlighting work that is likely to be discussed during the upcoming awards season.

Back in the Caribbean, the travel disruptions affected more than just DiCaprio. Luxury travellers, socialites and other celebrities found themselves stranded in islands like St Barths, Saint Martin and Anguilla as flight cancellations mounted, hotels reached capacity and alternative arrangements became increasingly difficult. Some attempted to ferry between islands by boat in search of departure points, while others awaited charter flights arranged by private services. The chaotic scene underscored how quickly a tranquil holiday environment can be upended by geopolitical events and how interconnected the worlds of leisure, celebrity and international politics have become.

While DiCaprio’s absence was widely noted, the circumstances offered a moment of reflection on the broader context in which the entertainment industry now exists, where even major celebrations of art and performance can be influenced by forces far beyond Hollywood. For audiences and industry insiders alike, the episode served as a reminder that no matter how glittering the red carpet or how resounding the applause, external events can reshape plans and priorities in profound ways. Despite this, DiCaprio’s message of gratitude and his recognition at Palm Springs reaffirmed his status as one of contemporary cinema’s most influential figures, even if the journey to receive the honour was anything but typical.