Leonardo DiCaprio was slated to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor, at the Palm Springs International Film Awards on January 3, 2026, for his performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another". However, the actor was unable to attend the ceremony due to unexpected travel disruptions caused by airspace restrictions in the Caribbean. These restrictions were a result of the recent military action in Venezuela ordered by President Donald Trump.
According to Variety, DiCaprio was vacationing in St. Barths and could not depart due to the airspace limitations. A spokesperson for the Palm Springs International Film Festival confirmed that DiCaprio was unable to join the event in person due to these unforeseen travel issues. Despite his absence, the festival continued to honor his "exceptional work and lasting contributions to cinema," noting his inspiring talent and dedication.
The Palm Springs International Airport acknowledged the flight disruptions, stating that an FAA air traffic control issue was affecting Southern California airspace, leading to delays and diversions at multiple airports, not just Palm Springs.
President Trump confirmed that he ordered "large-scale strikes" in Venezuela, leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump accused Maduro of drug-related crimes. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody during a raid by U.S. forces and were moved to the USS Iwo Jima, en route to New York, where Maduro faces charges including narcoterrorism. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that Maduro and Flores would face American justice in American courts. Trump has indicated that the U.S. will effectively "run Venezuela" until a proper transition can be implemented.
Trump defended the raid as both a law enforcement action and a measure against drug trafficking networks. He also referenced alleged gang incidents involving Venezuelan migrants in Colorado as further justification for the military intervention, though some reports indicate that these claims may have been overstated or miscontextualized.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival took place from January 2-12, 2026. Other honorees at the event included Michael B. Jordan, Amanda Seyfried, Ethan Hawke, Adam Sandler, Chloé Zhao, Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning. Guillermo del Toro, along with Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth, received the Visionary Award for their work on 'Frankenstein'.
Despite DiCaprio's absence, he is expected to receive further Best Actor nominations at the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.
