Adam Sandler to Receive Chairman's Award at Palm Springs International Film Festival

The Palm Springs International Film Society announced Friday that Adam Sandler will receive the Chairman's Award for his performance in the Netflix film "Jay Kelly" at the upcoming Palm Springs International Film Awards.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for January 3, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, kicking off the festival that runs through January 11.

"Adam Sandler delivers a deeply moving and career-best performance in 'Jay Kelly,'" said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi in a statement. "It is a performance which underscores his standing as one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation."

Directed by Academy Award nominee Noah Baumbach, "Jay Kelly" follows a famous movie actor portrayed by George Clooney as he confronts his past and present during a journey of self-discovery. Sandler plays Ron, the actor's devoted manager, in the film described as both poignant and humorous.

Sandler, who received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2023, has earned three Grammy nominations, seven Primetime Emmy nominations, two Golden Globe nominations and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination throughout his career. He won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for "Uncut Gems" and received Critics Choice and SAG Award nominations for "Hustle."

Most recently, Sandler earned two Emmy nominations for his variety special "Adam Sandler: Love You" and received a Golden Globe nomination for the same special in 2024. This past summer, "Happy Gilmore 2" delivered Netflix its biggest opening weekend.

Previous recipients of the Chairman's Award include Timothée Chalamet, who won last year and went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Other past honorees include Amy Adams, George Clooney, Viola Davis, Tom Hanks, Nicole Kidman, Gary Oldman, and Reese Witherspoon.

Sandler joins the cast of "Sentimental Value" — Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning — who were previously announced as recipients of the International Star Award.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival is presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight, with the City of Palm Springs as title sponsor.