Wow, it’s here again – the Palm Springs International Film Festival, beginning tonight with what the Festival bills as “The most glamorous night of the year in the valley” – The Black Tie 2009 Awards Gala. Sponsored by the luxury brand Cartier, the Festival begins at 5pm this evening; make that 4pm or earlier if you plan to be a spectator outside watching the stars arrive and stroll down the red carpet. And what stars they are:

2009 Honorees and their presenters:
Clint Eastwood, presented by Donald Sutherland
Ron Howard, presented by Frank Langella
Dustin Hoffman, presented by Ben Stiller
Sean Penn, presented by Sir Anthony Hopkins
Anne Hathaway, presented by Rosemarie Dewitt
Gus Van Sant, presented by Rep. Mary Bono Mack and Josh Brolin
Amy Adams, presented by John Patrick Shanley
Dakota Fanning, presented by Paul Bettany
Freida Pinto, presented by James Cromwell
Alexandre Desplat, presented by Taraji P. Henson

Beautiful Mary Hart, host of Entertainment Tonight and a resident here in the valley, will once again be the emcee for the Awards Gala.

Sonny Bono’s desire to bring back the glamour and film stars to Palm Springs by creating a film festival here has succeeded, brilliantly!  Films will be screened daily through the 19th of January at multiple venues, with the last day typically reserved for “The Best of the Best.” If you love films, try to get here if at all possible. It’s such a great opportunity to see rarer films, including many foreign entries, some of which are also in the running for Oscars.

Go to their Web site – Palm Springs Film Fest  for all information including the complete listing of screenings, times and locations by date,  and info on how to buy tickets and passes on line. You will also find information on all the party events associated with the festival. There are over 200 films from which to choose. It’s so much fun! Our little town of Palm Springs makes international news once again.