Entertainment Report
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.
By: NBC Palm Springs
November 7, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
Alice B. has announced its closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry