Hollywood kicks off 2019 awards season
Bradley Cooper, Spike Lee and other Oscar contenders kicked off Hollywood’s 2019 awards season with an emotional trip to the desert city of Palm Springs.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival gala was a familiar setting for Cooper, who received director of the year honors Thursday. He had presented the same trophy to his “Silver Linings Playbook” director David O. Russell six years ago and filmed key “A Star Is Born” scenes in the area.
“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” star Melissa McCarthy held back tears when talking about her husband onstage.
Lee, winner of a career achievement award, recounted his early ambitions after being introduced by his “BlacKkKlansman” stars John David Washington and Adam Driver.
“Growing up in public school in Brooklyn, I would sit in the back of the class,” he said. “I would practice my autograph. I don’t know why. But I knew one day I would be signing autographs. I think that I didn’t choose film. Film chose me.”
“Green Book,” a race-focused story set in the 1950s and inspired by a true story, was given the Vanguard Award at the event.