Leonardo DiCaprio to miss Palm Springs Awards Gala amid Venezuela-linked air restrictions

Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio will not attend this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala after being unable to travel due to airspace restrictions linked to the developing geopolitical situation in Venezuela, festival organizers said, according to Variety.

DiCaprio was scheduled to be honoured with the prestigious Desert Palm Achievement Award for his performance in ‘One Battle After Another’. However, as reported by Variety, the Oscar-winning actor was unable to depart from St. Barts, where he was vacationing with family and friends, due to disruptions in air travel following recent international developments that have impacted flight operations. In an official statement, a spokesperson for the Palm Springs International Film Festival confirmed DiCaprio’s absence from the gala, citing unforeseen travel complications.

“Leonardo DiCaprio is unable to join us in person tonight due to unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace. While we will miss celebrating with him in person, we are honoured to recognize his exceptional work and lasting contributions to cinema. His talent and dedication to the craft continue to inspire, and we are delighted to celebrate him with the Desert Palm Achievement Award this evening,” the statement read.

According to the statement, “An FAA air traffic control issue is impacting Southern California airspace today. Departing flights are currently under a ground stop. Aircraft have been able to arrive, though some inbound flights have diverted, and delays are expected. This is not specific to PSP and is affecting multiple SoCal airports. Travellers should check directly with their airline for the latest flight information. PSP will share updates as needed,” as quoted by Variety.

The situation coincided with a major geopolitical development earlier on Saturday, when United States President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been taken into US custody. (ANI)

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