“La La Land” will receive the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Vanguard Award, the festival announced Monday.
The award is presented to the film’s cast and director recognizing its outstanding creative ensemble. Cast members Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone and director/writer Damien Chazelle are expected to attend.
“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. It is our honor to present the Vanguard Award to ‘La La Land.’”
The film is already being hailed as an Oscar contender this year. It has also already received numerous accolades. Stone and Gosling are set to receive the Outstanding Performers of the Year award from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February.
Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Chazelle, “La La Land,” from Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label, tells the story of an aspiring actress, Mia (Emma Stone), and a dedicated jazz musician, Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), both struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts.
Set in modern-day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams.
The Film Awards Gala, hosted by Mary Hart, will be held Jan. 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The Festival runs Jan. 2-16.