The Palm Springs International Film Awards has announced that Adam Sandler is the recipient of the Chairman’s Award for his performance in Netflix’s “Jay Kelly.” The Film Awards will take place on January 3rd, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the festival running from January 2nd to January 11th, 2026. The event will be presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight.
“Adam Sandler delivers a deeply moving and career-best performance in ‘Jay Kelly,'” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “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.”
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 (Adam Sandler). Poignant and humor-filled, epic and intimate, “Jay Kelly” is pitched at the intersection of life’s regrets and notable glories.
Comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician, Adam Sandler is one of the most influential entertainers of his generation. Recipient of the 2023 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Sandler has earned three Grammy nominations, seven Primetime Emmy nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. Sandler won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for “Uncut Gems,” and his performance in “Hustle” earned him a Critics’ Choice Award nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. Most recently, Sandler was also nominated for two Emmys for his “Adam Sandler: Love You” variety special and Outstanding Music and Lyrics for his song on “SNL50.” He also received a Golden Globe nomination for his variety special in 2024.
Over the past few years, Sandler has consistently demonstrated that his strengths as a comedy legend are equal to his dramatic acting abilities. 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,” Sandler became a defining comedic voice of his generation and a lasting voice for all generations. He 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.
Sandler joins previously announced honorees, the cast of “Sentimental Value” (Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning), who will receive the International Star Award.
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, George Clooney, Viola Davis, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Kidman, Regina King, Gary Oldman, and Reese Witherspoon.
What do you think of this news for the Palm Springs International Film Festival? Have you seen “Jay Kelly” yet? If so, what did you think of the film and do you believe Adam Sandler will receive his first Oscar nomination for his performance in the film? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or on our X account.
