Leonardo DiCaprio was forced to skip the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Saturday due to airspace restrictions imposed after US airstrikes on Venezuela. The Oscar-winning actor had been due to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his role in One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
DiCaprio, 51, had been spending New Year’s Eve in the Caribbean, reportedly aboard a yacht owned by Jeff Bezos near St. Barts. Within hours, travel across the region was disrupted following US military action against Venezuela, which led to widespread flight restrictions, making it impossible for him to travel to California.
During the ceremony, organisers announced the actor's absence, and a tribute video was played featuring remarks from his collaborators, earning sustained applause from the audience. DiCaprio appeared remotely via video to accept the award, while his co-stars Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti collected the trophy on his behalf.
Festival organisers later confirmed in a statement that the actor's absence was due to 'unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace,' praising his 'exceptional work and lasting contributions to cinema.' One Battle After Another has become a breakout contender this awards season, leading the Golden Globe nominations alongside an ensemble cast including Sean Penn, Regina Hall, and Benicio del Toro.
