Palm Springs, CA – Last year, Halle Berry earned both acting and fashion kudos at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF), adorned with exquisite jewelry from Cartier’s iconic Trinity collection during the Awards Gala. Cartier will turn heads for a second year as the renowned jeweler brings elegance to the red carpet as presenting sponsor of the Gala on Tuesday, January 6.
The 20th annual Festival’s Awards Gala, held at the Palm Springs Convention Center and hosted again by “Entertainment Tonight’s” Mary Hart, will honor Clint Eastwood with the Career Achievement Award, Ron Howard with the Director’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Dustin Hoffman with the Chairman’s Award, Revolutionary Road with the Ensemble Performance Award, Sean Penn and Anne Hathaway with the Desert Palm Achievement Award for Acting, Amy Adams with the Spotlight Award, Dakota Fanning with the Rising Star Award, Freida Pinto with the Breakthrough Performance Award, Gus Van Sant with the Sonny Bono Visionary Award and Alexandre Desplat with the Frederick Loewe Award for Film Composing.
“We are thrilled that Cartier is returning to present our Awards Gala,” commented Festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “Given the entertainment royalty that we are honoring this year, including Clint Eastwood, it is only fitting to be partnered with a luxury brand that has served royalty for more than a century-and-a-half.”
“Cartier’s history with Hollywood extends to the dawn of filmmaking, and we recognize PSIFF as an institution that enhances the image of the entertainment industry through its annual Awards,” stated Frédéric de Narp, President and CEO of Cartier, North America. “We’d like to congratulate all of this year’s honorees, who exemplify the best that Hollywood has to offer and its enduring impact on the world.”
Given the lasting relationships with legendary actors spanning the jeweler’s heritage, Cartier will continue to play an integral role in Hollywood in 2009, marking Cartier’s Centennial year in the United States.
Founded in 1847, the House of Cartier has long been identified with quality, prestige and history and has served as crown jeweler to 19 royal houses. In addition to royalty and high society, Cartier’s jewels and timepieces have adorned Hollywood’s legendary stars – from classic talents such as Marlene Dietrich, Rudolf Valentino, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor to more modern stars including Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger, Cameron Diaz and Brad Pitt. One of the world’s leading luxury goods companies, Cartier markets a broad range of luxury products including jewelry, watches, eyewear, fragrance, writing instruments, lighters, leather goods and scarves. In North America, there are 36 stores, including two in Canada.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala honors individuals in the entertainment industry with several prestigious awards for acting, director, achievement in film scoring and life achievement. Celebrating this year’s honorees, Cartier Pages will be wearing their signature Cartier red jackets and bell caps to greet guests upon their arrival and present awards to the honorees. In addition, Cartier will present special gifts of a classic Cartier Tank Solo watch for each honoree at Awards Gala.
Presented by Cartier, the 20th annual Awards Gala is sponsored by Mercedes Benz and “Entertainment Tonight.” Renewing sponsors of this year’s Festival include The City of Palm Springs and Presenting Sponsors, The Desert Sun, the City of Indian Wells, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Spencer’s Restaurant, and Wessman Development. Major Sponsors include Bank of America, Integrated Wealth Management, Guthy-Renker, Regal Entertainment, Wells Fargo, Palm Desert National Bank, KPSP, Ocean Properties Development, Ciroc, Johnnie Walker and Don Julio.
Founded in 1990 by then-Mayor Sonny Bono, the Palm Springs International Film Festival has evolved into one of the largest film festivals in North America. The 20th annual Festival, scheduled for January 6-19, will feature a lineup of more than 230 films from 65 countries, seminars, special events and Gala receptions. For additional information call 760-322-2930 or 800-898-7256 or www.psfilmfest.org.