Actor/comedian Adam Sandler will receive the Chairman’s Award for his performance in Netflix’s “Jay Kelly” at the Palm Springs International Film Awards.
The Film Awards will take place on Jan. 3, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the festival running Jan. 2-11. The event will be presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight.
From Academy Award nominee Noah Baumbach, Netflix’s Jay Kelly follows famous movie actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney), as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Sandler). The film also stars Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, Riley Keough and Greta Gerwig.
The film will be released in select theaters beginning Nov. 14, followed by its Netflix release on Dec. 5.
“Adam Sandler delivers a deeply moving and career-best performance in ‘Jay Kelly,'” Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi said in a statement. “It is a performance which underscores his standing as one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation. We are proud to honor Adam — a singular talent whose work continues to surprise and inspire — with this year’s Chairman’s Award.”
Comedian, actor, writer, producer and musician, Sandler is one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. Recipient of the 2023 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, he has been nominated for three Grammys, seven Emmys, two Golden Globes and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Sandler won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for “Uncut Gems.”
Over the past few years, Sandler has proved that his strengths as a comedy legend are equal to his dramatic acting. This past summer, after reprising his beloved character in the long-awaited sequel “Happy Gilmore 2,” he landed Netflix its biggest opening weekend ever. From Sandler’s breakout on “Saturday Night Live” in the 1990s to a run of box-office classics including “Billy Madison,” “Happy Gilmore,” “The Wedding Singer” and “Big Daddy,” he became a defining comedic voice of his generation.
The performer went on to earn critical acclaim for transformative performances in “Punch-Drunk Love,” “Reign Over Me” and “The Meyerowitz Stories,” showcasing the emotional depth behind his trademark humor. As a writer, producer and performer, Sandler has built a creative empire through Happy Madison Productions, entertaining audiences worldwide for more than three decades. His films have generated billions at the box office and continue to resonate across generations.
Past recipients of the Chairman’s Award include last year’s recipient, Timothée Chalamet, who went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for best actor along with previous honorees Amy Adams, Clooney, Viola Davis, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Kidman, Regina King, Gary Oldman, Reese Witherspoon and Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell.
Sandler joins previously announced film awards honorees, including the stars of “Sentimental Value” (International Star Award).
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Adam Sandler to receive Chairman’s Award at Palm Springs Film Festival
Reporting by Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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