The Palm Springs International Film Awards has announced that the film “Emilia Pérez” will receive the Vanguard Award. This award honors both the cast and director for their collective work on an exceptional film project. The recipients include director Jacques Audiard and actors Karla Sofia Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Edgar Ramírez. The awards ceremony is scheduled for January 3, 2025, at the Palm Springs Convention Center during the festival from January 2-13, 2025. Silvercrest presents the event, sponsored by Entertainment Tonight.
“Emilia Pérez is one of the greatest achievements in cinema this year,” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “This powerful film from visionary director Jacques Audiard is led by outstanding performances from Karla Sofia Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz and Edgar Ramírez.” The film began its awards journey at the Cannes Film Festival where it won the Jury Prize and its main actresses shared the Best Actress prize.
The film “Emilia Pérez,” directed by Jacques Audiard, blends genres with liberating song and dance paired with bold visuals. It follows four women in Mexico pursuing happiness. The plot centers on Emilia (Karla Sofía Gascón), a cartel leader who fakes her death to live authentically as herself with help from lawyer Rita (Zoe Saldaña). The Netflix production also stars Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramírez.
The Palm Springs International Film Society organizes these awards annually as part of its mission to promote film art and science through education and cross-cultural awareness. It hosts both a major film festival every January and ShortFest in June.
