Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio will be absent from the Palm Springs International Film Awards this weekend due to travel disruptions linked to the U.S. military strikes in Venezuela ordered by President Donald Trump.

DiCaprio, 51, was scheduled to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his critically acclaimed performance in One Battle After Another at the ceremony on Saturday, January 3, in Palm Springs, California. However, the Oscar-winning actor could not leave St. Barths, where he was vacationing with celebrity friends, including girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti and former NFL star Tom Brady, because of restricted airspace over the Caribbean.

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Travel Disruptions Caused by US-Venezuela Conflict

According to Variety, the U.S.-Venezuela conflict resulted in multiple flight cancellations and airspace restrictions throughout the Caribbean region. A spokesperson for the Palm Springs International Film Festival said:

“Leonardo DiCaprio is unable to join us in person tonight due to unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace. While we will miss celebrating with him in person, we are honored to recognize his exceptional work and lasting contributions to cinema.”

Palm Springs International Airport had earlier confirmed a ground stop affecting departing flights, citing FAA air traffic control issues impacting Southern California airspace, which delayed several incoming and outgoing flights. The ground stop was lifted at 4:20 p.m. local time.

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DiCaprio’s Award and Career Recognition

DiCaprio was set to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor, for his performance in One Battle After Another, a black comedy-thriller directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

Festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi praised the actor, stating:

“Across his career, DiCaprio has continually redefined what is possible in screen acting—bringing emotional depth, artistic integrity, and fearless commitment to every role. It is our honor to present him with this award in recognition of his enduring influence and exceptional body of work.”

In the film, DiCaprio stars alongside Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, and Regina Hall, portraying a character pushed to the brink by relentless adversity.

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Upcoming Awards Season

Despite missing the Palm Springs ceremony, DiCaprio remains a major contender in the 2026 awards season. He is nominated for Best Actor at the Critics Choice Awards on January 4 and for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globe Awards on January 11.

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US Strikes on Venezuela and Air Travel Impact

The travel disruption coincides with President Donald Trump’s military action in Venezuela, targeting sites in Caracas and other locations, including military bases. The strikes, aimed at dismantling the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, come after accusations against Maduro of drug trafficking and using Venezuela’s oil revenues for alleged illegal activities, which he denies.

According to the Associated Press, the strikes prompted widespread cancellations of flights across the eastern Caribbean, affecting Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, and multiple destinations in the Lesser Antilles. Several airlines have announced they will waive change fees for travelers needing to reschedule flights amid the ongoing conflict.

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Key Takeaways

• Leonardo DiCaprio will miss the Palm Springs International Film Awards due to travel restrictions caused by US-Venezuela airspace disruptions.
• DiCaprio is receiving the Desert Palm Achievement Award for One Battle After Another.
• Upcoming Critics Choice and Golden Globe Awards nominations remain unaffected.
• US military action in Venezuela has caused widespread flight cancellations in the Caribbean.