Denis Villeneuve To Receive Visionary Award At Palm Springs Film Festival

Next month’s Palm Springs International Film Festival will kick off with a celebration of Denis Villeneuve.

After helming Dune: Part Two, the 3x Oscar nominee will receive the Visionary Award at the festival’s Jan. 3 Film Awards at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the festival running Jan. 2 to 13.

“Denis Villeneuve has once again pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling with Dune: Part Two. His visionary direction and unparalleled attention to detail have not only brought Frank Herbert’s epic saga to life but also set a new standard for what film can achieve,” said festical chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “A true visual masterpiece, Villeneuve’s work transcends entertainment, immersing audiences in a universe where every frame is a testament to his artistry and innovation. It is our honor to present Denis Villeneuve with the Visionary Award.”

Watch on Deadline

Recognizing filmmakers who break boundaries in the art of cinema, previous recipients of the Visionary Award include Alfonso Cuarón, Michel Hazanavicius, Richard Linklater, Tom McCarthy, Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino.

Villeneuve joins a talented lineup of honorees this year, including Adrien Brody with the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Timothée Chalamet’s Chairman’s Award, Kieran Culkin’s Breakthrough Performance Award, Colman Domingo’s Spotlight Award, Ariana Grande’s Rising Star Award, Angelina Jolie’s Desert Palm Achievement Award, Nicole Kidman’s International Star Award and Mikey Madison’s Vanguard Award, as well as the Ensemble Performance Award for Conclave and the Vanguard Award for Emilia Pérez.

Five of last year’s Palm Springs International Film Awards winners went on to win Academy Awards, with nearly all earning Oscar nominations.