'Truly special:' Ole Miss run in CFP ends with emotional Fiesta Bowl loss to Miami

'Truly special:' Ole Miss run in CFP ends with emotional Fiesta Bowl loss to Miami Cydney Henderson, USA TODAYJanuary 9, 2026 at 5:31 PM 7 GLENDALE, AZ — Mississippi football's Cinderella run has come to an end. No. 6 Ole Miss was defeated by No. 10 Miami 3127 in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Thursday after the Rebels were unable to muster another comeback win in the program's firstever Fiesta Bowl appearance Yet, as Ole Miss walked off the field at State Farm Stadium while The Scorpions' "Rock You Like a Hurricane" blasted through the speakers and green and orange confetti fell f...

- - 'Truly special:' Ole Miss run in CFP ends with emotional Fiesta Bowl loss to Miami

Cydney Henderson, USA TODAYJanuary 9, 2026 at 5:31 PM

7

GLENDALE, AZ — Mississippi football's Cinderella run has come to an end.

No. 6 Ole Miss was defeated by No. 10 Miami 31-27 in the College Football Playoff semifinals on Thursday after the Rebels were unable to muster another comeback win in the program's first-ever Fiesta Bowl appearance

Yet, as Ole Miss walked off the field at State Farm Stadium while The Scorpions' "Rock You Like a Hurricane" blasted through the speakers and green and orange confetti fell from the sky, the Rebels had a lot to be proud of following their improbable run.

"God has been so good to me and this team. I wouldn't want to do it with any other people, whether it's coaches, players, people in the offices. It's just been a great ride," said Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who completed 23 of 37 passes for 277 yards and one touchdown in the loss. "This team has sacrificed a lot to get to this point and this season's been bumpy. There's been a lot of things going on and they just kept our focus."

Chambliss added, "It's been truly special."

U TURN!: Fiesta Bowl win finally puts Miami back with national elite

It was also unexpected. Before the announcement of the playoff field, the Rebels were left without head coach Lane Kiffin, who left for LSU on Nov. 30. Just last year, Chambliss was playing Division II football at Ferris State. Coaches that followed Kiffin were also splitting time coaching Ole Miss. And despite the circumstances and turmoil, the Rebels turned in the best season in program history with a record 13 wins and first playoff appearance since the system debuted in 2014.

For a moment, it looked like the Rebels were going to replicate the magic that captivated the nation in their Sugar Bowl win over No. 3 Georgia. They took a 27-24 lead with 3:13 remaining following Chambliss' 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dae'Quan Wright and a successful two-point conversion from Chambliss to Caleb Odom.

It was up to Ole Miss' defense to secure the win. The Rebels defensive unit was on the field a majority of the night as Miami's offense ran 28 more plays and possessed the ball for more than 41 minutes.

The time on the field collectively wore down the Ole Miss defense. Miami put together a 15-play, 75-yard drive that quarterback Carson Beck capped off with a 3-yard, game-winning touchdown to put the Canes up by four points with 18 seconds remaining.

"We didn't play real well on defense all night, but to be up in the fourth and have an opportunity to close it out on that stage, it is something we'll all look back on and get better from," new head coach Pete Golding said. "But I can't tell you how proud I am of this group. They never panicked. They never flinch."

Mississippi wide receiver De'zhaun Stribling (1) walks off the field with teammate Harrison Wallace III (2) after the team's loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals at the 2026 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.

One important stat told much of the story. Miami was 11-of-19 on third down and 2-of-2 on fourth down, while Ole Miss was 2-of-10 on third down.

"On critical third downs, you got to find way to get off the field. We didn't," said Golding. "But I'm really proud of their effort. We could have done some better things from a coaching staff as well, so it is on all of us."

Yet, Ole Miss still had an opportunity to win late. Trailing by four points, Lucas Carneiro's foot couldn't rescue the Rebels. (Carneiro hit four of five field goals, including a 58-yard field goal, the second-longest ever kicked at the Fiesta Bowl.) Ole Miss would need a touchdown to keep their Cinderella season alive.

Ole Miss got to Miami's 35-yard-line with six seconds remaining following a 23-yard and 17-yard completions. Chambliss attempted a Hail Mary pass to Stribling in the left corner of the end zone, but Stribling went down following some contact with Ethan O'Connor and didn't come away with the ball. No penalty was called and time expired.

"Those situations are tough to call ... but there was contact," Golding said of the non-call. "It happens a lot. That's not why we lost the game. We just had a lot of opportunities late. But I think it shows you the resiliency of the team. I mean they didn't care ... They're going to go out there and give it all they got."

With the win, Miami advanced to the national championship game for the first time since the 2002 season and will face either No. 5 Oregon or No. 1 Indiana. Ole Miss, on the other hand, has uncertainty heading into the next season. It will be Golding's first full season as a head coach. Chambliss is seeking an NCAA waiver for a sixth season of eligibility to return to Ole Miss.

"Hopefully, I get to (play) next year," Chambliss said.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ole Miss sees emotional CFP run end in Fiesta Bowl loss to Miami

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Dolphins reportedly set to hire Jon-Eric Sullivan as new general manager

Dolphins reportedly set to hire JonEric Sullivan as new general manager Sean LeahyJanuary 10, 2026 at 12:10 AM 0 The Miami Dolphins are reportedly finalizing a deal to hire JonEric Sullivan as the franchise's new general manager, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Sullivan has served as the vice president of player personnel of the Green Bay Packers since 2022. He will replace Chris Grier, who parted ways with the Dolphins in October after serving in the organization since 2000. This story will be .

- - Dolphins reportedly set to hire Jon-Eric Sullivan as new general manager

Sean LeahyJanuary 10, 2026 at 12:10 AM

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The Miami Dolphins are reportedly finalizing a deal to hire Jon-Eric Sullivan as the franchise's new general manager, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Sullivan has served as the vice president of player personnel of the Green Bay Packers since 2022. He will replace Chris Grier, who parted ways with the Dolphins in October after serving in the organization since 2000.

This story will be .

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Nigeria dealing with reports of unpaid bonuses and Osimhen spat before facing Algeria in Africa Cup

Nigeria dealing with reports of unpaid bonuses and Osimhen spat before facing Algeria in Africa Cup CIARÁN FAHEYJanuary 10, 2026 at 12:18 AM 0 1 / 5Morocco Africa Cup of Nations SoccerNigeria's Victor Osimhen reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 soccer match between Nigeria and Mozambique in Fez, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

- - Nigeria dealing with reports of unpaid bonuses and Osimhen spat before facing Algeria in Africa Cup

CIARÁN FAHEYJanuary 10, 2026 at 12:18 AM

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1 / 5Morocco Africa Cup of Nations SoccerNigeria's Victor Osimhen reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 soccer match between Nigeria and Mozambique in Fez, Morocco, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Nigeria's preparations for its Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Algeria have been dogged by speculation about internal strife involving star striker Victor Osimhen and reports that the players were not being paid their bonuses.

Nigeria coach Éric Chelle would not comment on the reports Friday, when he said such questions need to be directed to the Nigeria Football Federation.

"This is my job, to stay focused — to try to stay focused — to stay focused about only the pitch (field), and definitely my job is on the pitch, not around," Chelle said in Marrakech a day before Nigeria plays Algeria in the city.

The NFF still advertises a vacancy for the position of head coach of the men's team, a year and a day after it appointed Chelle to the position.

Nigerian media outlets reported that the players had threatened not to train or travel to Marrakech for the match unless they were paid agreed bonuses for winning their first four Africa Cup games.

The team arrived in Marrakech on Thursday and had its first training session there the same day. Chelle said they would train again later Friday.

Chelle declined to comment about reports that Osimhen was on the verge of walking out of the team after an on-field argument with teammate Ademola Lookman during the Super Eagles' 4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16 on Monday.

"I prefer to speak about the (upcoming) game. Victor is there and that's all," Chelle said. "Yes, everyone's speaking about Osimhen and Lookman, it's normal, they're the last two best African players, but we're here to serve them to score, we're working for them. We're a team, and that's what teamwork is all about."

Osimhen scored two goals in that match with Lookman involved in both, but apparently he was furious when Lookman tried scoring instead of setting him up for another.

Lookman played down the argument when asked about it post-game, when he said it was "just football" and called Osimhen his "brother."

Lookman also subsequently posted photos on social media of him celebrating with Osimhen with the caption "together always."

Nigeria, which lost the final to Ivory Coast in the last edition, is bidding to win the title for the fourth time. It would help make up for the disappointment of failing to qualify for the World Cup.

Both of Algeria's two titles included wins over Nigeria on the way – twice in 1990 and again in the semifinals in 2019.

___

AP at the Africa Cup: https://ift.tt/pc0usME

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Duke, Michigan headline college basketball weekend schedule of games to watch

Duke, Michigan headline college basketball weekend schedule of games to watch Eddie Timanus, USA TODAYJanuary 9, 2026 at 7:03 PM 0 With football nearly done and conference play in men's college basketball ramping up, there are many more options available for your hoopviewing entertainment. Our goal here in this weekly space is to help you pick out the most important games. As fate would have it this week, most of our top choices on Saturday occur in the early afternoon window.

- - Duke, Michigan headline college basketball weekend schedule of games to watch

Eddie Timanus, USA TODAYJanuary 9, 2026 at 7:03 PM

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With football nearly done and conference play in men's college basketball ramping up, there are many more options available for your hoop-viewing entertainment. Our goal here in this weekly space is to help you pick out the most important games.

As fate would have it this week, most of our top choices on Saturday occur in the early afternoon window. That is not to say there won't be any prime-time drama – there usually is in this sport –, but interested fans should definitely be paying attention to the brunch specials. As we always advise since we can't hit every game, keep a close eye on the scoreboard and the remote in easy reach.

Keeping all that in mind, here's our Starting Five for this week.

No. 11 Nebraska at Indiana

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, BTN

If Marty MCFly's DeLorean had just delivered you from the mid-1980's to Blloomington's Assembly Hall on this day, you'd undoubtedly be shocked to learn that it is the visiting Cornhuskers, not known historically for achievements on the hardwood, that enters this contest undefeated and flirting with a top-10 ranking. The Hoosiers have been up and down so far this season but are nevertheless dangerous at this storied venue. Nebraska's roster doesn't feature many household names, but the action at both ends of the floor usually goes through Dutch big man Rienk Mast. Indiana will look to Tucker DeVries to match his interior production and hope shooting guard Lamar Wilkerson has a good day at the arc.

No. 22 Tennessee at Florida

Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ESPN

The defending NCAA champion Gators ran into a few speedbumps in the 2025 portion of this season. But they knocked off a ranked Georgia squad earlier this week and now look to claim another top-25 victory as the Volunteers come to Gainesville. Tennessee has also battled inconsistency with many new pieces in its lineup, but new arrivals Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament have been dominant in stretches. The Gators' new-look backcourt has struggled, but Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon are hard to keep out of the paint.

Wisconsin at No. 1 Michigan

Time/TV: Saturday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS

After a string of impressive blowout victories, perhaps Tuesday night's narrow escape at Penn State was just the wakeup call the Wolverines needed as they approach the meat of their Big Ten slate. They're happy to be back at home regardless to take on the Badgers. Wisconsin has no appreciably bad losses on its 10-5 ledger but could use some quality wins just the same. Well-traveled Nick Boyd has joined holdover John Blackwell in Madison to give Wisconsin a high-scoring backcourt. They'll have to be on target to avoid having to challenge Michigan's formidable array of rim protectors. Elliot Cadeau has been the facilitator Michigan needed for its system, and any points he provides are a bonus.

No. 25 SMU at No. 6 Duke

Time/TV: Saturday, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN

The Blue Devils snapped out of a recent defensive funk earlier this week just in time to clamp down on Louisville in the second half to pick up a key ACC road win. They return home to face the just-ranked Mustangs, whose first action with a number in front of their name didn't go so well Wednesday night in a loss at Clemson. SMU's Kevin 'Boopie' Miller and Jaron Pierre make extensive use of the three-point arc while Samet Yigitoglu anchors the interior. Duke's Cameron Boozer won't be afraid to challenge in the lane, but any scoring help he gets from guards Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster will be welcome.

No. 16 Illinois at No. 19 Iowa

Time/TV: Sunday, noon ET, Fox

We return to the Big Ten for the Sunday headliner. The Hawkeyes saw their comeback bid at Minnesota fall short in their most-recent outing, and they now hope to take advantage of their own home court against the Fighting Illini. Though Illinois often features a lineup heavy on Eastern Europeans, it's the domestic guard tandem of Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell that make the operation work. Iowa's Bennett Stirtz has adjusted quickly to life in the Big Ten, but he could use more shooting help from backcourt mate Tavion Banks.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College basketball schedule top games to watch includes Duke, Michigan

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James Cameron is well on his way to a fourth title on the top 10 highest grossing films of all time. Avatar: Fire and Ash burns through $1 billion at the global box office James Cameron is well on his way to a fourth title on the top 10 highest grossing films of all time. By Ryan Coleman :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/RyanColemanauthorphoto0081ce8f0254478080f35972c433877b.jpg) Ryan Coleman Ryan Coleman is a news writer for with previous work in MUBI Notebook, Slant, and the LA Review of Books. EW's editorial guidelines January 4, 2026 7:27 p.m.

James Cameron is well on his way to a fourth title on the top 10 highest grossing films of all time.

Avatar: Fire and Ash burns through $1 billion at the global box office

James Cameron is well on his way to a fourth title on the top 10 highest grossing films of all time.

By Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman

Ryan Coleman is a news writer for with previous work in MUBI Notebook, Slant, and the LA Review of Books.

EW's editorial guidelines

January 4, 2026 7:27 p.m. ET

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Varang (Oona Chaplin) in 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. Credit:

20th Century Studios

James Cameron can't stop winning.

The blockbuster maverick is riding high on the box office returns from his latest effort, *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, the third entry in his famously profitable fantasy series. *Fire and Ash *brought in $40 million domestically and $169.6 million around the world in its third week of release, bringing its global tally across the $1 billion threshold.

The film CGI fantasia now boasts $306 million in total proceeds at home, and $1.08 million abroad, per Comscore. *Fire and Ash*'s domestic drop from $64 million in week 2 to this week's $40 million represents only a 37 percent drop, a strong figure for a film of its scale at this point in its release trajectory. That same figure on the global stage dropped to 29 percent.**

Still from 'Zootopia 2'.

Still, Cameron has yet to earn the right to take home the title of 2025's highest-grossing film director. For now, that honor remains with Jared Bush and Byron Howard, the co-directors of *Zootopia 2*. Disney's animated sequel currently sits at $1.58 billion at the global box office, and $363.6 million domestically, after taking in $81.7 million and $19 million respectively in week 6.

*Fire and Ash *is also notably underperforming compared to its predecessor, 2022's *Avatar: The Way of Water*. That film opened to a staggering $134 million, compared with *Fire and Ash*'s $88 million, and at this point in its release cycle, it boasted $425.5 million.

'Avatar: Fire and Ash' ignites holiday weekend box office with No. 1 spot

James Cameron and 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' cast and crew break down the voyage of the Wind Traders

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

With 2025 now in rear view at the domestic box office, the year can be deemed a success, having grown 1.5 percent compared to last year with an $8.87 billion final count.

The last few weeks played a major role in volleying the year over that net, with the sequelmania releases of *Wicked: For Good*, *Zootopia 2*, *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, and *Five Nights at Freddy's* *2 *drumming up a stunning amount of business at the box office. With *Avatar *and *Zootopia *locked in at the No. 1 and No. 2 positions since the former's release in December, other titles have risen to edge *Wicked *and *Freddy's *out of the way for the bronze.

This week, Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried's psychological thriller *The Housemaid *cleaned up with a $14.8 million domestic gross in its third week, while Timothee Chalamet's ping pong drama *Marty Supreme *scored No. 4 with $12.5 million at the same point in its release cycle.****

Next up, *Avatar*'s supremacy likely remains undaunted, with the second week of January's only major releases being Paramount's simian horror *Primate*, and Lionsgate's apocalyptic thriller sequel *Greeland 2: Migration*.

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Avatar: Fire and Ash burns through $1 billion at the global box office

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“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy”: Get schooled on the teen-focused spinoff (and Paul Giamatti's Klingon hybrid)

"Star Trek: Starfleet Academy": Get schooled on the teenfocused spinoff (and Paul Giamatti's Klingon hybrid) Allison DeGrusheJanuary 9, 2026 at 8:00 AM 0 Brooke Palmer/Paramount+ Romeo Carere, Anthony Natale, and Oded Fehr on 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy'Key Points Star Trek: Starfleet Academy centers on a new group of adventurous cadets. Emmy winners Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti bring their star power to the cast. The first two episodes premiere on Paramount+ on Thursday, Jan. 15. The Star Trek universe continues to expand at warp speed.

- - "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy": Get schooled on the teen-focused spinoff (and Paul Giamatti's Klingon hybrid)

Allison DeGrusheJanuary 9, 2026 at 8:00 AM

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Brooke Palmer/Paramount+

Romeo Carere, Anthony Natale, and Oded Fehr on 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy'Key Points -

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy centers on a new group of adventurous cadets.

Emmy winners Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti bring their star power to the cast.

The first two episodes premiere on Paramount+ on Thursday, Jan. 15.

The Star Trek universe continues to expand at warp speed.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the latest Star Trek series from CBS and executive producer Alex Kurtzman, follows a new generation of cadets training to become Starfleet officers. Set in the distant future, the series explores life at the legendary academy, where the first class in over 100 years is preparing for deep-space duty.

The cast is packed with talent, with an intriguing blend of Hollywood heavyweights and promising newcomers. So, whether you're a seasoned Trekkie or just hopping aboard the starship for the first time, there's plenty to look forward to.

Here's everything we know so far about Starfleet Academy.

What is Starfleet Academy about?

Brooke Palmer/Paramount+

Gina Yashere on 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy'

Set in the 32nd century, the series centers on a historic moment for the galaxy: the first Starfleet Academy class in 120 years.

"Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself," the official synopsis teases.

Kurtzman, a co-showrunner on Starfleet Academy with Noga Landau, previously told Entertainment Weekly that the rookie cadets have "a lot riding on their shoulders, and they are meant to reestablish and rebuild everything that we all know and love about Star Trek."

He continued, "They convey hope and they search for hope, and that felt like an extremely relevant message to talk about now."

Landau described Starfleet Academy as a mix of "wish fulfillment" and classic "coming of age" stories with a Star Trek twist. "One week that can be a prank, war erupts another week, a romance begins another week, we encounter an alien species for the first time and we don't know what the hell we're doing [another week]," she added.

"But at the end of every episode, what we want our audience to feel is, 'I want to go to Starfleet Academy,'" she continued. "Even in the deepest, darkest depths of character problems and drama, you get such a good feeling from watching this show [of] how much you want to be there so badly."

Is there a Starfleet Academy trailer?

The official trailer for Starfleet Academy debuted at New York Comic Con on Oct. 11, 2025, offering fans a closer look at the new drama.

The clip highlights some of the young cadets, including Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta), an orphan who attends the academy hoping it might help him find his mother.

"Being a cadet in Starfleet Academy means being open to the people around you," says Tig Notaro's Jett Reno as the trailer introduces fellow cadet Sam (Kerrice Brooks), who admits she often feels "invisible, but mostly awkward."

Viewers are also treated to glimpses of rigorous training, budding romances among cadets, and appearances from Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti, both of whom are always welcome.

Who's in the Starfleet Academy cast?

Brooke Palmer/Paramount+

Holly Hunter on 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy'

Leading the charge on Starfleet Academy is Hunter, who plays Nahla Ake, the academy's chancellor.

"You're sort of talking about 'the cool mom,'" Kurtzman told EW of the character. "It's a very specific voice that you need. She has to have the authority of the captain, but also she needs to be the head of a school and be nurturing in that way, but also be tough. She really is in her own category as a captain."

The cast also features a fresh lineup of young Starfleet hopefuls, with Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, Zoë Steiner, and Bella Shepard taking on the roles of cadets. Joining them is Rosta, whose character acts as the audience's guide into the world of Starfleet Academy.

"Once the cadet enters into the school and meets all the other cadets, the balance of the storytelling begins to shift slightly," Kurtzman told EW. "By the end of the season, you really feel like you have this incredible understanding of everybody and how they function as a group."

Emmy winner Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) and comedian Gina Yashere (Bob Hearts Abishola) are set to appear in recurring guest roles, while Tig Notaro, Oded Fehr, and Mary Wiseman will reprise their Star Trek: Discovery roles as Jett Reno, Admiral Vance, and Sylvia Tilly, respectively.

Landau also confirmed a special treat for longtime fans: Robert Picardo will return as the Doctor, continuing his journey from Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001) and Star Trek: Prodigy (2024). Landau says Starfleet will "continue his story forward in a way that fans of Voyager are going to find really satisfying."

Miller Mobley/Paramount+

Paul Giamatti as the villain on 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy'

Giamatti, a two-time Oscar nominee and Star Trek superfan, appears as Nus Braka, the series' big bad. The actor "had such a great time putting on the makeup," according to Kurtzman. "He loved sitting in the chair. We were worried it was going to take too much time, but he said, 'No, I love it. It really lets me drop into the character.'"

Without giving away spoilers, Kurtzman described Giamatti's character like "a tide that has swept across the world in a very profound and upsetting way."

And yes, Klingons will appear in the series, including a "Klingon hybrid species who are several of our main characters."

When does Starfleet Academy come out?

The first two episodes of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiere Thursday, Jan. 15 on Paramount+. New episodes release weekly on Thursdays.

Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.

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The Oscar winner had to skip an awards show due to &34;unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace.&34; Leonardo DiCaprio forced to miss major event over Trump strike on Venezuela The Oscar winner had to skip an awards show due to &34;unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace.&34; By Shania Russell :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ShaniaRussellauthorphoto5934b684845d480caa4485648c39ef2b.jpg) Shania Russell Shania Russell is a news writer at , with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

The Oscar winner had to skip an awards show due to "unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace."

Leonardo DiCaprio forced to miss major event over Trump strike on Venezuela

The Oscar winner had to skip an awards show due to "unexpected travel disruptions and restricted airspace."

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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January 4, 2026 2:34 p.m. ET

Leonardo DiCaprio attends the 16th Governors Awards on Nov. 16, 2025. Credit:

Frazer Harrison/WireImage

Leonardo DiCaprio was unable to attend a major California event on Saturday night due to travel restrictions implemented in the wake of the U.S. airstrikes in Venezuela.

The acclaimed 51-year-old actor was set to accept a Desert Palm Achievement Award honoring his performance in Oscar contender *One Battle After Another *at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala held on Jan. 3. But DiCaprio could not leave the coast of St. Barts — where he was photographed vacationing with friends Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez — because of the developing geopolitical situation, *Variety *reported.

In a statement provided to **, a spokesperson for the Palm Springs International Film Festival said, "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 honored 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."

EW has reached out to representatives for DiCaprio for additional comment.

Leonardo DiCaprio attends the "One Battle After Another" London premiere on Sept. 16, 2025.

Karwai Tang/WireImage

In the early morning hours of Jan. 3, President Donald Trump oversaw strikes on Venezuelan soil in a proposed invasion of the South American nation. He later announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cila Flores, had been taken into U.S. custody following an overnight military operation. They face charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and use of destructive devices against the United States.

Amid those developments, Palm Springs International Airport released a statement on X announcing that departing flights are under a ground stop. "An FAA air traffic control issue is impacting Southern California airspace today," the statement read. "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. Travelers should check directly with their airline for the latest flight information. PSP will share updates as needed."

Leonardo DiCaprio worries movie theaters could become like 'jazz bars': 'Do people still have the appetite?'

Brad Pitt didn't believe Leonardo DiCaprio when he pointed out his parents on set

DiCaprio ultimately accepted his award in a pre-recorded video message introduced by his* One Battle* costars Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti.

"I wish I was there to celebrate with all of you. I'm truly grateful to be a part of it, even from the distance," he said before focusing on the lasting importance of going to the cinema. "Movies are still meant to be experienced together, in a theater. Right now, that belief matters more than ever. Original films are harder to make and harder to protect. But movies still matter — not content, but cinema. Stories made by people meant to be shared in a dark room in a communal experience."

Leonardo DiCaprio in 'One Battle After Another'.

Warner Bros. Pictures

He concluded, "Thank you for believing in this work, and thank you for believing in the movies."

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Even without DiCaprio present, the event featured plenty of A-list honorees, including Timothée Chalamet (who earned the Spotlight Award), Rose Byrne (for her Breakthrough Performance Award), Michael B. Jordan and Kate Hudson (for their Icon Awards), Ethan Hawke (for a Career Achievement Award), Adam Sandler (for the Chairman's Award), Elle Fanning (for the International Star Award), and many more. At one point, Hawke presented Amanda Seyfried with her own Desert Palm Achievement Award, for her new movie *The Testament of Ann Lee,* and she shouted out DiCaprio in her acceptance speech.

"I want to thank Leo for inspiring me to be an actor," Seyfried said. "So it's weird. It's amazing to get this award. It's the same title of the award, so it's like sharing it with him? Sort of? Maybe."

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Source: "EW Actors"

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Source: Actors

Published: January 09, 2026 at 03:38PM on Source: RED MAG

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