Live updates: Leonardo DiCaprio signs autographs before walking Film Awards red carpet

Hollywood is back to business and awards season kicks off tonight with the Palm Springs International Film Awards, during which industry heavyweights and up-and-coming stars including Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Stone, Greta Gerwig, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and more are expected to grace the stage.

Follow along as our team chats with the stars on the red carpet and backstage at the awards ceremony as the best of the best stand up to be recognized in what often foreshadows who will score big at the Oscars.

• Snag an autograph: How to watch the red carpet, even if you don't have a ticket.

• Interview with Scorsese: The troubling truth behind "Killers of the Flower Moon"

• Cream of the crop? Desert Sun staff's hot take on the honorees

ICYMI: Did you see our coverage of the ceremony and backstage happenings?

Last night was a star-studded evening for Palm Springs. If you want to catch up on all our coverage of the 35th anniversary Palm Springs International Film Awards, make sure to check out the stories below.

Inside the awards show: 7 most memorable moments from the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Awards

Our favorite backstage moments: Palm Springs Film Awards: Colman Domingo talks importance of 'Rustin' in LGBTQ spaces

Red carpet recap: Overheard on the red carpet: Billie Eilish, Emma Stone and more at the Palm Springs Film Awards

Da’Vine Joy Randolph steps in to take celeb pic for fan at After Party

Stars, they're just like us.

In the lobby of the Parker Palm Springs after the Film Awards After Party, one eventgoer was clumsily trying to take a photo with Colman Domingo, who was honored earlier in the night with the Spotlight Award, Actor.

Watching the attempted selfie going all wrong, fellow honoree Da'Vine Joy Randolph, who was standing nearby, jumped in to take control.

She grabbed the phone, told the guy to get in the photo with Domingo, and Randolph took the photo.

— Shad Powers

Palm Springs Film Awards After Party noticeably not star-studded

A group of professional dancers got the dance floor going at the Parker Thursday evening for the Palm Springs International Film Awards After Party with a choreographed "Barbie"-themed number.

The crowd was notceably fan-heavy at the event, and the only celebrity we spotted was Breakthrough Performance Award winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph. The star of "The Holdovers" was sighted hanging out and exchanging pleasantries with fans.

— Shad Powers and Niki Kottmann

Meryl Streep presents Carey Mulligan with the International Star Award and everyone — appropriately — loses it

With the presenters not being announced beforehand, the ballroom was shocked and delighted when Meryl Streep was announced to come on stage to give Carey Mulligan the International Star Award.

There was a stunned murmur followed by a standing ovation as soon as Streep's name was announced, and people who were walking toward the exits froze, turned around and fumbled for their phones to take a photo. Even in a room full of stars, Streep transcends.

Mulligan said she emailed Streep to ask her to introduce her, but she never expected a yes.

“I was expecting ‘I can’t. Sorry. Christmas, etc.’ But she said of course, darling, I’ll throw on a frock and drive down. I was in a car heading home from the ‘Maestro’ premiere and I got the reply and I just shouted 'Eff off!' I had to apologize to the driver. He was terribly offended, but I told him it was Meryl Streep.”

Mulligan then turned to Streep and said: "You are my hero. You know you are my hero. You've always been my hero."

— Shad Powers

ICYMI: The Desert Sun's complete Palm Springs Film Awards red carpet recap

If you haven't heard by now, celebrities hit the red carpet in full force at the Palm Springs International Film Awards this evening. Honorees Emma Stone, Danielle Brooks, Cillian Murphy and the cast of "Killers of the Flower Moon" were just some of the people who were in town to accept awards for their excellent work in 2023.

The Desert Sun's Ema Sasic got a full access pass to many of the honorees and guests at the Film Awards. They shared some behind the scenes secrets to their films and their fondest memories from set.

To read her red carpet recap, click here.

— Ema Sasic

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Robert Downey Jr. and Emma Stone make us laugh, (almost) cry

Best presenter joke of the night went to Robert Downey Jr., who was introducing Desert Palm Achievement Award winner Cillian Murphy for Murphy’s role in “Oppenheimer.”

Downey Jr. said he was winging his speech, but he did write down one note. He calmly pulled a napkin out of his pocket that had in all caps “NO IRISH JOKES” written on it.

Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress winner Emma Stone also made us laugh when she opened her acceptance speech by admitting how nervous she was standing in front of the Film Awards crowd.

"Aside from the feeling of low-grade nausea I have being in front of you ... this is a large room. It goes FAR back," she said with a giggle.

She went on to say that many of the women she looks up to in the film industry are in the room with her tonight, and they, like all the other women in Hollywood who inspire her, have taught her that life only gets more interesting as it goes on — despite what Hollywood executives have tried to make her think. She's not afraid of aging.

"I hope for many more years of taking swings and try new things," Stone added.

Another notably heartfelt speech was that of "The Holdovers" star Da’Vine Joy Randolph. When she got onstage to accept her Breakthrough Performance Award, she opened with an expression of gratitude for being included in such a star-studded evening.

"I can't believe I'm in this room right now," Randolph said. "I've admired you all from afar and have been your student ... this is truly a surreal moment for me."

When it came time to thank her costar, Icon Award winner Paul Giamatti, for presenting her with the award and for being her "north star," she got choked up.

"You are one of the most generous scene partners I've ever had the pleasure to work with," she said. "You give everything and leave nothing on the table."

— Shad Powers and Niki Kottmann

Danielle Brooks, Paul Giamatti, Greta Gerwig and Colman Domingo accept their awards

The first few honorees of the night kicked things off with some funny and sentimental speeches.

Among our favorites were Greta Gerwig, who was presented with the Director of the Year Award by "Barbie" actors Margot Robbie and America Ferrera. The actresses spoke highly of their beloved director, and they both joked about how much they loved making the movie they should have known would turn into a phenomenon.

"She gave us the Barbie movie that absolutely nobody asked for, but we all needed," America Ferrera said with a laugh.

Gerwig's speech was equally as heartfelt, especially as she explained her transition from acting to directing, and how becoming a filmmaker made her fall in love with movies all over again.

“Every time when I go to the movies and the lights go down, I get a chill and I think ‘this is my very favorite place to be,’” she said.

— Niki Kottmann

Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robie surprise fans by signing autographs

What seemed like a lost night for autograph seekers at the Palm Springs International Film Awards went from zero to 100 as a late flurry of huge stars made their day by signing autographs and posing for selfies.

After hours of celebrities going directly onto the red carpet, Jesse Plemons and wife Kirsten Dunst broke the seal. They were followed by Lenny Kravitz, and while he was signing, Colman Domingo, Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe all joined him for an autograph tsunami — fans didn’t even know who to shout for.

But the best was yet to come. Minutes later, Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig from "Barbie" were signing movie posters. Finally, it was Leonardo DiCaprio, the crown jewel, who took the time to sign a variety of photos — from “Titanic” to his current film, “Killers of the flower Moon” — who stole the show.

One woman in the cluster of fans drew a laugh by shouting “Leo! I’m under 25!” He did not react.

— Shad Powers

One fan shares plans to spot 'Golden Bachelor' stars in La Quinta after Film Awards

A Desert Sun reporter standing in the sea of fans outside the Palm Springs Convention Center overheard one woman anxiously awaiting celebrity arrivals say she's planning to head to La Quinta after the Film Awards red carpet ends.

Why is that notable, you may ask? Well, the Film Awards aren't the only star-studded event taking place in the desert this evening (if you consider reality TV stars stars, that is). Tonight, 72-year-old Indiana widower Gerry Turner, ABC's first-ever "Golden Bachelor," will marry 70-year-old New Jersey financial adviser Theresa Nist in a live televised ceremony filmed right here in the Coachella Valley.

Although it wasn't officially announced by ABC, the nuptials appear to be taking place at the La Quinta Resort & Club — based on all the members of Bachelor Nation posting about it on Instagram, at least — so it's possible for some fans to spot both their favorite small screen and silver screen stars in the desert tonight.

— Niki Kottmann

More: Golden Wedding live updates: Runner-up Leslie Fhima says: 'We have to celebrate love'

Sandra Oh, Emma Stone, Billie Eilish and more arrive on the red carpet

Several of Hollywood's biggest names have arrived on the Film Awards red carpet, including many fashionable women.

One of the biggest trends of the night seems to be suits with a feminine touch, which was especially evident with Emma Stone's suit and tie topped off with a sparkly jacket. Billie Eilish also walked the carpet — alongside brother and collaborator Finneas — while sporting her signature masculine style and red roots.

Perhaps the most fun surprise thus far was Kirsten Dunst, who accompanied her husband, "Killers of the Flower Moon" star Jesse Plemons, on the red carpet (Plemons is here to receive the Vanguard Award with his castmates). The pair are the first celebs all evening to go over to the fan area to sign autographs, earning them plenty of applause.

— Niki Kottmann

Palm Springs International Film Awards red carpet officially underway

The first stars have begun to hit the red carpet — or local stars, anyway.

At 4:40 p.m., actor and desert resident Udo Kier hit the red carpet, followed by new Palm Springs International Film Festival Chairman Nachhattar Chandi and his family.

Shortly after, new Palm Springs Major Jeffrey Bernstein walked the red carpet to mark his first non-governmental event appearance as mayor.

— Niki Kottmann

Palm Springs film festival Talking Pictures screenings face issues

The Palm Springs International Film Festival's opening night takes place tomorrow, but technically, screenings kicked off this morning with four Talking Pictures events (screenings followed by a sit-down conversation with the actors and/or filmmakers).

However, the first event of the day, a screening of "American Fiction” followed by a conversation with actor Jeffrey Wright, faced some issues, likely caused by the demand far outweighing the amount of seats available. The screening was held at Palm Canyon Theatre, which can hold 200 people, yet a Desert Sun employee assigned to cover the event was told 750 showed up.

A large group of passholders who got in line an hour and 15 minutes ahead of the start time didn't get in, including said Desert Sun employee. Then, at a "Barbie" screening followed by a conversation with director Greta Gerwig in the afternoon, there were several audio issues that caused Gerwig to abandom her microphone altogether, opting to stand at the edge of the stage so her voice would project.

Here are all the stars you can expect at the Palm Springs Film Awards tonight

Curious who will be walking the red carpet tonight at the Palm Springs Convention Center for the 2024 Palm Springs Film Awards? Here's who we know so far:

• Danielle Brooks, actor in “The Color Purple” - Spotlight Award, Actress winner

• Paul Giamatti, actor in “The Holdovers” - Icon Award winner

• Greta Gerwig, director of "Barbie" - Director of the Year Award winner

• Colman Domingo, actor in "Rustin" - Spotlight Award, Actor winner

• Da’Vine Joy Randolph, actor in "The Holdovers" - Breakthrough Performance Award winner

• Cillian Murphy, actor in "Oppenheimer" - Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor winner

• Emma Stone, actor in "Poor Things" - Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress winner

• Jeffrey Wright, actor in "American Fiction" - Career Achievement Award winner

• Billie Eilish and Finneas, musicians behind the “Barbie” song "What Was I Made For?" - Chairman’s Award winners

• Carey Mulligan, actor in "Maestro" - International Star Award, Actress winner

• The "Killers of the Flower Moon" cast, including director Martin Scorsese and the film's stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Lily Gladstone, among others - Vanguard Award winners

• America Ferrera (presenter)

• Blitz Bazawule (presenter)

• Mark Ruffalo (presenter)

• Lenny Kravitz (presenter)

• Leslie Uggams (presenter)

• Margot Robbie (presenter)

• Meryl Streep (presenter)

• Sandra Oh (presenter)

• Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear (presenter)

• Willem Dafoe (presenter)

• Robert Downey Jr. (presenter)

• Taraji P. Henson (presenter)

— Niki Kottmann

Fans waited overnight across from the Palm Springs Convention Center to secure their spot in the autograph area

Tonight is the night — the Palm Springs Film Awards, that is — which is easy to tell if you've driven anywhere near the Palm Springs Convention Center in the past 24 hours.

A small group of autograph-seeking movie buffs have made a habit of arriving the day before the star-studded red carpet event to camp out at the convention center — all to get the best spot to interact with the stars on Thursday night.

At 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Curtis Channel was seated alone among six folding chairs, holding the area for the rest of the group who were resting in their cars or getting dinner. Channel, who has celebrities sign the white outer frame of a film fest poster, is excited for another year, and thanks to some good fortune on Wednesday, he's already ahead of the game in 2024.

As luck would have it, Channel ran into actor Paul Giamatti who is being honored Thursday with the Icon Award for his body of work including this year's critically acclaimed "The Holdovers." Giamatti signed Channel's poster, adding his name to the frame which already had five signatures that Channel received the last time he attended the event in 2020.

"I'm glad to be back, couldn't come last year and they didn't have the two years before that, so I figured I'd combine my autographs from 2020 and 2024," Channel said. "I always have fun no matter how many or how few stars I get to sign, but I'm already off to a good start this year."

— Shad Powers

Reel talk: Sign up for our new newsletter all about film

Can't get enough Palm Springs International Film Festival content? Our features reporter (and resident cinephile/member of the Hollywood Critics Association) Ema Sasic started a newsletter, Reel Talk, that will cover film musing from sunny Palm Springs.

Once the red carpet is laid out, Reel Talk will bring daily coverage and updates right to your inbox, including interviews with filmmakers, film reviews and event roundups.

While the film festival takes place for a few days in January, there's plenty of movie news to share year-round. Reel Talk will send updates about local film happenings and interviews with those in front and behind the camera.

So, how can you sign up? Head over to https://profile.desertsun.com/newsletters/reel-talk/, type in your email address, click "Sign up" and you're all set.

— Ema Sasic

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Live at the Palm Springs Film Fest Awards red carpet, backstage