The 2016 Palm Springs International Film started off on the right foot last night with their annual Gala attended by A-listers including Johnny Depp, Cate Blanchett and Matt Damon. The festival continued today with Variety’s Creative Impact Awards and “10 Directors to Watch” event. The event was presented by Mercedes-Benz and venue partner the Parker Palm Springs. Dr. Bennett Omalu presented the Variety Creative Impact in Acting Award to Will Smith and Jack Black presented the Variety Creative Impact in Directing Award to Charlie Kaufman.

The Awards celebrated the filmmaker and actor for their outstanding contributions to the art and business of cinema for Anamolisa and Concussion. Additionally, Variety’s “10 Directors to Watch” series was presented, spotlighting the most exciting new talents in the fields of directing including: Don Cheadle Miles Ahead, Deniz Gamze Erguven Mustang, Alex Garland Ex Machina, Ciro Guerra Embrace of the Serpent, Slavek Horak Home Care, Duke Johnson Anomalisa, Peter Landesman Concussion, Laszlo Nemes Son of Saul, Matt Ross Captain Fantastic, and last but not least Elizabeth Wood White Girl.