Agua Caliente Entertainment Report: Excitement Builds for the Palm Springs Film Festival Gala

Welcome to this week’s Agua Caliente Entertainment Reports, brought to you by Agua Caliente Casinos. Manny is here with the latest buzz in entertainment, starting with a chilling new thriller and a star-studded event that's sure to make waves.

This weekend’s hot new release is The Damned, a smart thriller that promises both scares and deep moral questions. Manny sat down with director Thor Paulsen and actress Odessa Young for a special behind-the-scenes look. Set in a small seaside village in Iceland, the film explores themes of guilt, survival, and the moral dilemma of whether to help strangers in need or protect your own.

Paulsen shares how the harsh, snow-covered Icelandic setting enhances the film’s dark atmosphere, creating a powerful backdrop for the story’s haunting questions. Young, playing a strong female lead, is not just an observer in this tale but an active participant, making difficult choices that haunt her throughout. The film centers on a group of people who let foreigners drown in the ocean, only to face the overwhelming guilt that follows. As the characters grapple with their decisions, the tension and intensity build, creating a gripping narrative that will keep audiences on edge.

"The intensity of the environment makes these scenes almost play themselves. There’s no room for softness here," Young explains. Manny, clearly impressed, gives The Damned a thumbs-up for its chilling atmosphere and sharp storytelling. The film is now playing exclusively at Regal Rancho Mirage, so if you're in the area, it’s a must-see for fans of smart, suspenseful horror.

Moving from thrills to glitz, the Palm Springs Film Festival Gala is tonight, and Manny is beyond excited to be on the red carpet with Chloe Carlson, bringing all the action live to NBC Palm Springs at 5 and 6 p.m. Celebrities like Ariana Grande, who will receive the Rising Star Award, and Kieran Culkin, who’s poised for an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, are among the stars expected to attend. Manny can’t wait to catch a glimpse of Grande, who is being celebrated for her role in Wicked, and Culkin, who’s getting major Oscar buzz for his performance in Succession.

Manny is also looking forward to seeing other talented stars like Cynthia Erivo from Wicked, Mikey Madison from Nomadland, and Coleman Domingo from Sing Sing. The red carpet will be packed with stars, and the energy will be electric as these artists are recognized for their incredible contributions to the film industry.

As Manny points out, the Palm Springs Film Festival Gala is the first major event of the year, setting the stage for the upcoming Golden Globes and Oscars. This prestigious event is not only a great opportunity to celebrate outstanding performances but also serves as a preview for the upcoming awards season.

With so many stars in town, you might just run into them while out and about this weekend—so keep your eyes peeled!

From the chilling thrills of The Damned to the glitzy red carpet of the Palm Springs Film Festival Gala, this week in entertainment is filled with excitement. Manny’s behind-the-scenes look at the film and his coverage of the gala make it clear: the entertainment world is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming awards season. Whether you're catching a terrifying new film or spotting your favorite stars in Palm Springs, there’s no shortage of entertainment this weekend.

Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for more updates, and don’t miss out on the excitement!