PALM SPRINGS, California − The Palm Springs International Film Society Film Awards consistently showcases stunning outfits, heartfelt speeches, and memorable experiences.

This year, however, the atmosphere was spiced up with some colorful language and light-hearted banter that amused the audience even more.

The awards gala, held on Friday at the Palm Springs Convention Center, stands out as the most glamorous event of the Palm Springs International Film Festival, honoring eight actors, two directors, and two ensembles for their outstanding cinematic contributions in 2024.

Here are some of the unforgettable highlights from the night.

Sharon Stone Praises Kieran Culkin’s Remarkable Journey from Child Star to Acclaimed Actor

Before Sharon Stone presented Kieran Culkin with the breakthrough performance award for his role in “A Real Pain,” she talked about the challenges child actors endure in showbiz and the rarity of those who emerge unscathed. Stone highlighted Culkin as a notable exception, along with his brother, Macaulay.

“It is truly fantastic to be here celebrating this actor whose career has been nothing short of remarkable,” Stone praised. “He didn’t merely survive; he thrived. He has managed to stay grounded, kind, and incredibly funny while developing an impressive and diverse body of work.”

Stone and Culkin co-starred in the 1998 film “The Mighty,” which Culkin referenced in his acceptance speech, mentioning the actors who played his “film parents” during his youth. He also humorously pointed out the irony of receiving a breakthrough award at this stage of his lengthy career.

“I’ve been doing this for quite some time, and it feels odd to be here receiving this after 36 years – I guess it took a while to achieve my breakthrough,” Culkin remarked.

Timothée Chalamet Takes a Lighthearted Shot at Jake Gyllenhaal During His Presentation

Timothée Chalamet, who stars in director Denis Villeneuve’s celebrated films, made sure his fellow actor felt his presence on Friday evening.

While presenting the Sonny Bono Visionary Award to the director of “Dune: Part One” and “Dune: Part Two,” Chalamet couldn’t resist poking fun at Jake Gyllenhaal, expressing his apologies to the veteran actor, who also starred in several of Villeneuve’s earlier, less celebrated movies like “Prisoners” and “Enemy.”

Chalamet was in a jovial mood, even joking about an incorrect description of the movie “Arrival” that he read earlier, playfully saying he hoped it would keep everyone engaged. He also acknowledged co-presenter Amy Adams for being one of the few who noticed – likely because she starred in the film.

Colman Domingo Expresses Gratitude to His Mother While Emphasizing the Importance of Art

Colman Domingo delivered a heartfelt speech after receiving the spotlight actor award for his performance in “Sing Sing,” presented by Demi Moore.

Domingo became emotional while sharing a touching story about his late mother, whom he referred to as his “best friend,” recounting how she nurtured his creative spirit as a child, even when it made his teachers uneasy.

He urged young people to embrace their creativity, irrespective of external opinions, and concluded his speech by emphasizing how “art saves lives,” and that it “might just be the parachute that saves us all.”

Ariana Grande attributes her rising star award to ‘Botox and Juvéderm’

Actress Jennifer Coolidge, known for her roles in “American Pie” and “White Lotus,” presented Ariana Grande with the Rising Star Award for her role in “Wicked.” She humorously questioned why the film society deemed this award necessary for Grande.

“Hasn’t Ariana Grande already achieved star status?” Coolidge remarked. “The girl is not even 30 yet, and it feels like she’s been in the spotlight since the Eisenhower era.”

She jokingly suggested that Grande might actually be very old—perhaps 90 years old—claiming she simply has exceptional skin.

During her acceptance speech, Grande embraced the humor, stating it was a privilege to still be seen as a rising star at 31.

“I want to start by giving thanks to my dear friends, Botox and Juvéderm,” she quipped. “I thought I would be fading by now.”

Jamie Lee Curtis told a noisy table to ‘shut up’

When Jamie Lee Curtis took the stage to present Nicole Kidman with the International Star Award for her role in “Babygirl,” a nearby table was being particularly disruptive. She confronted them by asking, “What table number are you?” and then told them bluntly, “Shut the (expletive) up, table 108!”

Curtis expressed her admiration for Kidman, referring to her as “brave as (expletive)” for tackling complex themes surrounding “meaningful sexuality, marriage, motherhood, power, and vulnerability” in “Babygirl.”

“The remarkable and richly diverse work speaks for itself and has undeniably forged the emotional pathways leading to this moment in Palm Springs,” Curtis added.

Nicole Kidman became emotional and dedicated her speech to her deceased mother

Nicole Kidman reflected on how Christmas changed for her after she lost her mother.

“Now that I’ve lost both my parents, I find myself in a place of, ‘Wow, this feels different,’ but they have instilled in me the resilience, love, and strength to continue forward,” she shared with the audience.

She expressed gratitude to “Babygirl” director Halina Reijn for courageously crafting a film that explores themes of sexuality and desire featuring a woman in her 50s, but her main focus was her mother.

“Thank you for allowing me to dedicate this to my mom. Throughout my entire career, I have done everything with my parents in mind, and though they’re no longer here, I want to continue to create and share with the world.”

The audience showed their support for Kidman with a rousing applause as she apologized for her tears.

“I can feel my mother with me right now,” she said. “This is for you, Momma.”

Adrien Brody labeled his hotel experience as both delightful and resembling an ‘exotic animal petting zoo’

Adrien Brody, known for “The Brutalist,” described the luxurious Parker Palm Springs hotel after being honored with the Desert Palm Achievement Award by fellow actor Andrew Garfield.

“I saw so many familiar faces there but they were celebrities I didn’t know personally,” he shared about his experience at the iconic hotel where many celebrities stay.

“I thought about going up to them but didn’t want to disturb anyone it felt like a petting zoo for famous people out there.

Brody mentioned, “It was quite fascinating when they said, ‘That individual tends to act aggressively. If you glance to the right, you might catch a glimpse of this one.'”