Kering and the Palm Springs International Film Festival

A Second Act in Partnership 

Following a first participation through Women In Motion in 2025, Kering returns as Presenting Sponsor of the Palm Springs International Film Awards, marking the start of a multi-year collaboration with this first major stop on the awards season calendar.

Kering was thus present at the Festival's 37th edition—held from January 2 to 12, 2026—which gathered renowned filmmakers, celebrated performers, and emerging voices from around the world.

Palm Springs Film Awards: Celebrating Top Performances

Presented by Kering, the Palm Springs International Film Awards took place on January 3, 2026. The ceremony honored the year's most outstanding performances, including actress Amanda Seyfried, recipient of the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress for The Testament of Ann Lee, and director Chloé Zhao with actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal for Hamnet, which received the Vanguard Award.  

Women In Motion Screenings and Conversations

As part of its ongoing commitment to spotlight women’s work in film, Women In Motion supported two special screenings during the Festival: Hamnet and The Testament of Ann Lee. 

Each screening was followed by an engaging “Talking Pictures” conversation moderated by Variety’s Angelique Jackson: one with Chloé Zhao, and another with Amanda Seyfried and Mona Fastvold. 

Screened at the Camelot Theatre, Hamnet revisits the life of William Shakespeare through the eyes of his wife, Agnes, offering a visually poetic portrait of love, loss, and creation. Directed by Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao (Nomadland), the film stars Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley.

Presented at the Palm Springs High School Auditorium, The Testament of Ann Lee brings to the screen the true story of Ann Lee, founder of the Shakers. Directed by Mona Fastvold (The World to Come, The Brutalist) and starring Amanda Seyfried, the film examines faith, leadership, and the resilience of a visionary woman.

Continued Dialogue on Women’s Creativity

As part of this year’s initiatives, Women In Motion and the Festival also announced a creative collaboration with Letterboxd, engaging the platform’s global community of film lovers in exploring the women-led stories showcased at Palm Springs.

Women In Motion and the Palm Springs International Film Festival

In 2015, Kering launched Women In Motion at the Festival de Cannes with the aim of shining a light on women in filmmaking, both before and behind the camera. Through its annual Awards, the program recognizes inspirational figures and emerging female talent, while its Talks and Podcasts provide an opportunity for prominent personalities to share their views on women’s representation in their profession.
Through its support of the Palm Springs international Film Festival, Kering deepens its commitment to amplifying the contributions of women in the film industry and celebrating creative voices.
 

Spotlighting the Palm Springs International Film Festival

Founded in 1990, the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is held early every January in California. Over the years, its Film Awards have become the first must-stop destination on the road to the Academy Awards®. PSIFF is organized by the Palm Springs International Film Society whose mission is to cultivate and promote the art of film.

Kick-starting the film-year calendar, this event showcases “Talking Pictures,” with interactive talks between actors and directors of the films screened during the Festival. PSIFF is also distinguished for its accolades. 

The cast and director of Emilia Pérez

Women In Motion sparks discussion on the importance of inclusivity and equality in cinema

On January 3rd, Angelina Jolie sat down with Variety’s Clayton Davis to discuss her role in Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín.
In Maria, Angelina Jolie plays Maria Callas, one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century, as she withdraws to Paris following a life under the spotlight. Maria reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days as she reckons with her life and career. The film also stars Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Stephen Ashfield, as well as Valeria Golino and Kodi Smit-McPhee.

January 4^th featured a Q&A session between the cast and director of Emilia Pérez and Variety’s Clayton Davis as moderator.

The film sees Zoe Saldaña portray a resourceful lawyer who helps a Mexican cartel boss start anew as Emilia Pérez. Karla Sofía Gascón is cast in the eponymous role. Directed by Jacques Audiard and co-produced by Saint Laurent Productions, this exhilarating, genre-defying musical also features Selena Gomez. It won two awards at the 77^th Festival de Cannes and four awards at the 82^nd Golden Globes.