PALM SPRINGS, Ca.
The stars and director of “La La Land” are expected to be on hand to receive the Vanguard Award during the Palm Springs International Film Festival, organizers announced.
Director/writer Damien Chazelle’s “La La Land,” set for release next month, tells the tale of a romance between an aspiring actress (Emma Stone) and a dedicated jazz musician (Ryan Gosling) in modern-day Los Angeles.
“Director and writer Damien Chazelle delivers a resonant cinematic masterpiece with `La La Land,”’ said festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “This visually stunning film pays tribute to classic Hollywood musicals with a contemporary love story driven by pitch-perfect performances by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone,” he said. “It is our honor to present the Vanguard Award to `La La Land.”’
Gosling, Stone and Chazelle are all expected to attend the festival’s Awards Gala on Jan. 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Previously announced honorees include Tom Hanks, who will be given the Icon Award for his performance in “Sully”; Casey Affleck, winner of the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his performance in “Manchester by the Sea”; and Ruth Negga, the Rising Star Award recipient for “Loving.”
The 28th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival will run from Jan. 2 through Jan. 16.
