Palm Springs International Film Festival 2023: Where to spot a celeb, or at least feel like one

It's been three years since Palm Springs' most selfie-tastic event, and we know you've been craving a celebrity sighting.

Have no fear, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is back beginning Thursday, and we have a few ideas for how you can get in on the action — from simply buying a ticket to potentially spotting celebrities around town.

Palm Springs International Film Awards red carpet

Even if you're not lucky enough to have a ticket to the Film Awards, there's no doubt you'll catch a glimpse of some of your favorite stars on the red carpet. The glamourous event takes place Thursday at the Palm Springs Convention Center, and no matter rain or shine, the celebs will look spiffy and gorgeous − seriously, how do they do it? Among those receiving honors at the ceremony include Cate Blanchett (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress), Austin Butler (Breakthrough Performance Award, Actor), Viola Davis (Chairman’s Award), Danielle Deadwyler (Breakthrough Performance Award, Actress), Colin Farrell (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor), Brendan Fraser (Spotlight Award, Actor), Bill Nighy (International Star Award, Actor), Sarah Polley (Director of the Year Award), Michelle Yeoh (International Star Award) and The Fabelmans (Vanguard Award). Keep your eyes out for other stars who will be presenting these honors. The red carpet arrivals will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Parker Palm Springs

The swanky Parker Palm Springs hotel is often a go-to spot for celebs when they come to the desert. It also just happens to be the location of Variety's annual 10 Directors to Watch brunch on Friday. The event promises to be star-studded, with Elegance Bratton (“The Inspection”), Eva Longoria (“Flamin’ Hot”) and Charlotte Wells (“Aftersun”) among some of the directors making the list. Other stars who will be joining the festivities include actor Brian Tyree Henry, who will receive the Creative Impact in Breakthrough Performance Award, Baz Luhrmann, who will receive the Creative Impact in Directing Award, Rian Johnson, who will receive the Creative Impact in Screenwriting Award, and Angela Bassett, who will receive the Creative Impact in Acting Award. Snag a reservation at one of the hotel's restaurants and bars, like Norma's, and you might just get a celeb encounter to go with your meal. The celebs are expected to start showing up around 10:30 a.m.

Talking Pictures screenings: It's no secret that there are a lot of great films showing at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, but what makes some of them even cooler is that they'll be followed by a conversation with the actors and filmmakers themselves. The Talking Pictures section always offers something new and unique with its lineup, and you can actually hear from the creatives themselves why they decided to sign on to the project or what it was like inhabiting those roles. Among those who lucky audience members will get to hear from include:

• "The Whale" with actor Brendan Fraser: 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at Palm Springs High School

• "The Banshees of Inisherin" with actor Colin Farrell: 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Camelot Theatres (PS Cultural Center)

• "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" with actress Angela Bassett and costume designer Ruth E. Carter: 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Palm Springs High School

• "Living" with actor Bill Nighy: 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, at Annenberg Theater

• "Moving On" with director Paul Weitz: 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, at Palm Springs High School

• "The Son" with director Florian Zeller: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Annenberg Theater

• "Chevalier" with director Stephen Williams: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Annenberg Theater

• "Alice, Darling" with actress Anna Kendrick: 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Annenberg Theater

There's also a possibility that you'll see some of these stars shopping for groceries, walking their four-legged pals or even on a hiking trail. If you do spot someone, just remember to be courteous and to not push if they don't want to give their autograph or take a selfie. Often the most memorable encounters are had by having a pleasant conversation with them. Another tip is to keep the freaking out and tears under control, but if your favorite hunky movie star shows up, all bets are off.

Feeling a little too shy for a potential celebrity encounter? Get in on the excitement by simply attending a screening at a theater close to you. Below is all the information you need on where movies are screened and how much tickets cost.

If you go

What: Palm Springs International Film Festival

When: Various times, Jan. 6-16 (check the festival's website or the Desert Sun's daily festival special section in print for showtimes)

Where: Screenings are spread across five venues: Palm Springs High School, 2401 E Baristo Road; Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E Baristo Road; The Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive; Regal Cinemas Palm Springs, 789 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way; and Mary Pickford is D'Place, 36-850 Pickfair St., Cathedral City.

Cost: Regular screening tickets are $13 each, but cinephiles can still purchase 5-day B Passes for $350

More info: psfilmfest.org

Ema Sasic covers entertainment and heath 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: 3 places to spot a celebrity at the Palm Springs film festival