The 23rd annual Palm Springs International Film Festival gala event on Saturday at the Palm Springs (Calif.) Convention Center was a star-studded event attended by the creme-de-la-creme of the movie industry.

Crowds thronged the red-carpet area to get a glimpse of their favorite stars as they made their way into the ceremony hall.

Attended by the likes of Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Glenn Close, George Clooney, and Gary Oldman, the gala evening witnessed the presence of some of the biggest heavyweights in the film fraternity.

Also there was Octavia Spencer, who was presented with the breakthrough-performance award for her role in the film The Help. In addition, the event featured the entire cast of Young Adult, which received the Vanguard Award for its outstanding creative ensemble, and Stephen Daldry, who was honored as director of the year.

Other honorees included American actress Jessica Chastain, who received the festival's Spotlight Award, and composer Howard Shore who received the Frederick Loewe Award for film composing.

South African actress Charlize Theron was given the Indie Impact Award by the entertainment publication Variety for her contribution to the art and business of cinema. Charlize Theron continues to make an impact by committing herself to films that exemplify the best in independent cinema, stated Variety Executive Editor Steven Gaydos.

Take a look at the red-carpet arrivals and the star-studded spectacle that was the Palm Springs International Film Festival gala this year in the slideshow.

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