Palm Springs International Film Awards Honors "Frankenstein" with Prestigious Visionary Award

The Palm Springs International Film Awards has announced that "Frankenstein" is the recipient of this year’s Visionary Award, marking a historic first for the event. The accolade will be jointly presented to director Guillermo del Toro and stars Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, recognizing their extraordinary collaboration in reimagining a timeless classic.

Del Toro and the cast are expected to attend the award presentation on Jan. 3, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The Film Festival runs Jan. 2 through Jan. 12, 2026. The event is presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight.

“The Visionary Award honors a film that breaks boundaries in the art of cinema,” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “Guillermo del Toro delivers a bold reimagining of a timeless classic, infusing the story with profound emotional resonance. Oscar Isaac’s haunting portrayal of Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi’s deeply affecting performance as The Creature, and Mia Goth’s mesmerizing dual roles illuminate the film’s central themes with extraordinary power. We’re proud to honor Frankenstein as one of the year’s most daring and unforgettable achievements.”

Del Toro’s adaptation offers a definitive retelling of Mary Shelley’s novel, an epic exploration of humanity, love, and the longing for understanding. Isaac stars as Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant yet tormented scientist determined to create new life. His creation, portrayed by Elordi, raises enduring questions about identity, humanity, and monstrosity. Goth brings depth to her roles as Elizabeth Harlander and Claire Frankenstein, joined by two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz.

The film spans sweeping landscapes, from Arctic ice to the war-torn fields of 19th-century Europe, following both creator and creature on a shared journey to find meaning in a chaotic world.

"Frankenstein" joins an impressive roster of previously announced honorees, including Michael B. Jordan (Icon Award), Leonardo DiCaprio (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor), Ethan Hawke (Career Achievement Award), Adam Sandler (Chairman’s Award), and Amanda Seyfried (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress). Additional honorees include Hamnet director Chloé Zhao with actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal (Vanguard Award), as well as the cast of Sentimental Value (International Star Award).

Past Visionary Award recipients include Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two), Alfonso Cuarón (Roma), Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist), Richard Linklater (Boyhood), Tom McCarthy (Spotlight), Martin Scorsese (The Irishman), and Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds). Many of these films went on to earn Best Picture nominations, with The Artist and Spotlight taking home the top Academy Award.