2012 Palm Springs Film Festival gala | Arrivals

Brad Pitt‘s appearance, with Angelina Jolie and a cane, was a talked-about event at the Palm Springs International Film Festivals 23rd annual awards gala. Pitt was on hand to receive the Desert Palm Acheivement Actor Award, and the duo were among many other high-wattage stars that made the trek out to the desert for the event. (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

March 21, 2014 6:38 PM PT

Actor Al Pacino, a presenter during the awards gala, arrives in Palm Springs. (John Shearer / Getty Images)

“Mike and Molly” and “Bridesmaids” actress Melissa McCarthy waves. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Sen. Barbara Boxer seems thankful to be at the festival. (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” director Stephen Daldry walks the red carpet. (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” actors Tom Hanks and Thomas Horn pair on the red carpet. (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

“The Help’s” Tate Taylor produced, directed and wrote the awards contender. (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

Actress Glenn Close is receiving awards buzz for “Albert Nobbs.” (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

“Thor” director Kenneth Branagh poses for photographers. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

“Dark Knight” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” actor Gary Oldman makes his way to the desert. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

“Moneyball” actor Jonah Hill is on hand to help present an award to his co-star Brad Pitt. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

“In Time,” “House M.D.” and “Butter” actress Olivia Wilde poses. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Octavia Spencer was honored with the Breakthrough Performance Award for “The Help.” (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

French actor Jean Jujardin stars in “The Artist.” (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Charlize Theron and her “Young Adult” cast and crew shared an award later. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

“Young Adult” screenwriter Diablo Cody poses. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

“The Descendants” actor George Clooney poses with girlfriend and actress Stacy Keibler in Palm Springs. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

“The Debt” actress Jessica Chastain won the Spotlight Award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Michelle Williams, who portrayed Marilyn Monroe in “My Week with Marilyn,” received the Desert Palm Achievement Award. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)