Awards Season Kicks Off At Palm Springs Film Festival Gala

Awards season kicked off in grand style this weekend, but not in Hollywood.

Now, awards season officially kicks off just to the east in Palm Springs at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

In its 23rd year, this year’s awards gala was star-studded, with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Glenn Close, Tom Hanks, Al Pacino and others walking the red carpet and waving to fans.

As ABC stations, like KESQ News Channel 3, waited for the Republican presidential debate, Clooney compared selling a film to running for office.

?There?s a lot of baby kissing (in an awards season campaign), as you can imagine,? he told reporters.

He also said he had been following the GOP debates, and wouldn’t mind if campaigning for film awards was more like campaigning for president.

?I think (making it more political) is a really good idea. I would like to see some of the best actresses out there debating, like Viola (Davis) and Meryl (Streep) going at each other. That would be fun.?

As for going after Brad Pitt, his co-star in the “Oceans” movies, Clooney said he’s be all-too-prepared for a debate.

?I would go at Brad about his height, he?s only 5 feet 3 inches? and his drinking,? he said.

But, Pitt said he was ready for that same debate.

?He had a really good showing in Iowa, but I will get him in New Hampshire,? the ?Moneyball? star said.

Inside the sold-out awards gala, Clooney put the jokes aside, giving thanks for his career and ascent to the top.

?We really do love what we do, and we recognize that most people don?t get to love their jobs. I?ve had lots of jobs; I have cut tobacco for a living, I sold insurance door-to-door, and I have sold men?s suits and ladies shoes,? he said in his acceptance speech for the Chairman?s Award. ?The point is, we do understand that we are very blessed, and lucky to be doing this. It is not just about acting — you look at someone like Brad and he is terrific, not just in ?Moneyball,? but looks out for the public people in the world. He builds homes for people in New Orleans, and he loves what he does. We love what we do. The truth is, we would do it for free. It?s a fun thing to do.?