Palm Springs International Film Festival Canceled For 2021

PALM SPRINGS, CA - The Palm Springs International Film Festival, which has been running annually for 31 years, has canceled its 2021 edition Monday due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The film awards show will return in 2022 on Feb. 22.

This is the second time the Palm Springs International Film Society has had to push the festival's event back due to coronavirus concerns, as the 32nd festival was planned for Jan. 7.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of our lives in profound ways but we have not stopped believing that cinema has the power to change our hearts and minds. We stand by that truth and commit to continue our efforts in bringing film to our community," the Film Society said on its website.

And although the show will not go on in its usual form, the the film awards ceremony will still take place, most likely streamed live online. Honorees have not been announced yet.

"This is not an easy choice but we have made the decision to skip the 2021 edition," the organizers wrote. "Rest assured we plan to be back in 2022 when we can hopefully be together safely again in theaters."

For the past few decades, the event was always one of the first significant film events to kick off the awards season. Last year, the event decorated Renée Zellweger, Joaquin Phoenix and Laura Dern, as well as nominees Antonio Banderas, Cynthia Erivo, Adam Driver, Charlize Theron and director Martin Scorsese.

The film society also announced in its Monday letter that it is planning alternative ways to celebrate cinema "through virtual member and community programs," although details were not immediately available.

"We are excited to work with our studio partners to bring you new film screenings and Q&As from your favorite directors and actors," the film society wrote. "Once theatres are safely able to open, we will end virtual screenings and resume Member screenings in-person."

The City News Service contributed to this report.