It is awards season 2024 and that means parties are being thrown almost every day on the lead up to the Academy Awards which take place on March 10.
On Friday it was Variety’s turn as the publication hosted the Creative Impact Awards & 10 Directors to Watch Brunch.
The fancy event took place at the tony Parker Hotel in the desert town of Palm Springs in California, which is a two hour drive from Los Angeles.
The celebrity attendance was impressive as the event falls during the Palm Springs Film Festival.
One of the top standouts was Penelope Cruz who plays Enzo Ferrari’s disturbed wife Laura Ferrari in the bio pic about the car mogul from director Michael Mann.
Also at the event were Emma Stone, Anna Kendrick, Lily Gladstone, Ji-young Yoo and Mark Ruffalo.
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 2 Penelope Cruz lit up the Variety Creative Impact Awards & 10 Directors to Watch brunch at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, California on Friday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/20/79672047-12931791-Penelope_Cruz_lit_up_the_Variety_Creative_Impact_Awards_10_Direc-m-70_1704487669007.jpg)
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 4 Emma Stone was in jet black](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/20/79672017-12931791-Emma_Stone_was_in_jet_black-m-72_1704487690647.jpg)
Penelope Cruz and Emma Stone lit up the Variety Creative Impact Awards & 10 Directors to Watch brunch at the Parker Hotel in Palm Springs, California on Friday
Cruz looked cheerful at the garden event as she embraced a spring color: pink.
The Oscar winner wore a jacket and uneven miniskirt from French designer Chanel, a brand she represents.
The fabric was a pink, black and white plaid with a pal tree print border down the front of the jacket. The hem of the skirt and the cuffs of the jacket had a V Chevron pattern that added dimension.
Underneath the smart suit, the Spanish actress had on a tight black top which matched her 90s-era platform Mary Jane heels with a peep toe that flashed her blood red pedicure.
The Vogue cover girl added a black Chanel purse on her shoulder.
Her long highlighted hair was worn to the side and down in soft, romantic waves as she was made up with soft pink colors and added a dewy lip.
Hoop earrings, a watch and silver rings rounded out her ladies-who-lunch look.
Cruz’s Laura Ferrari character in the bio film unravels after the death of her only child, becoming a recluse who is accused of going ‘crazy.’
This week revealed she ‘cried’ on the set of her new film Ferrari which also stars Adam Driver and Shailene Woodley.
The beauty said it was due to the ‘sad energy’ she felt over her character Laura’s bedroom.
The 49-year-old actress found a visit to the apartment where her Ferrari character lived incredibly painful.
But Cruz noted that sadness helped her understand Laura better for the biopic because it informed her how the woman felt following the end of her marriage to Enzo Ferrari and the death of her son Dino.
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 6 Cruz looked cheerful at the garden event as she embraced a spring color: pink. The Oscar winner wore a jacket and uneven miniskirt from French designer Chanel, a brand she represents](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/21/79672015-12931791-Cruz_looked_cheerful_at_the_garden_event_as_she_embraced_a_sprin-m-75_1704489099167.jpg)
Cruz looked cheerful at the garden event as she embraced a spring color: pink. The Oscar winner wore a jacket and uneven miniskirt from French designer Chanel, a brand she represents
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 8 Her long highlighted hair was worn to the side and down in soft, romantic waves as she was made up with soft pink colors and added a dewy lip. Hoop earrings, a watch and silver rings rounded out her ladies-who-lunch look. Cruz's Laura Ferrari character in the bio film unravels after the death of her only child, becoming a recluse who is accused of going 'crazy'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/21/79672013-12931791-Her_long_highlighted_hair_was_worn_to_the_side_and_down_in_soft_-m-76_1704489118323.jpg)
Her long highlighted hair was worn to the side and down in soft, romantic waves as she was made up with soft pink colors and added a dewy lip. Hoop earrings, a watch and silver rings rounded out her ladies-who-lunch look. Cruz’s Laura Ferrari character in the bio film unravels after the death of her only child, becoming a recluse who is accused of going ‘crazy’
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 10 Underneath the smart suit, the Spanish actress had on a tight black top. The Vogue cover girl added a black Chanel purse on her shoulder](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/21/79672037-12931791-Underneath_the_smart_suit_the_Spanish_actress_had_on_a_tight_bla-m-77_1704489130524.jpg)
Underneath the smart suit, the Spanish actress had on a tight black top. The Vogue cover girl added a black Chanel purse on her shoulder
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 12 Cruz and Adam Driver in Michael Mann's bio pic Ferrari. Cruz's Laura Ferrari character in the bio film unravels after the death of her only child, becoming a recluse who is accused of going 'crazy'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/21/79673577-12931791-image-a-86_1704489443168.jpg)
Cruz and Adam Driver in Michael Mann’s bio pic Ferrari. Cruz’s Laura Ferrari character in the bio film unravels after the death of her only child, becoming a recluse who is accused of going ‘crazy’
She told Empire magazine: ‘It was a lot of colors that were supposed to be happy but to me it had a very sad energy.
‘I started to cry, understanding what it would be like for this woman spending so much time hiding in that room, missing her son and missing what she had in that relationship with Enzo.’
‘There was something that happened to in that room and I think it also happened to Michael [Mann, director].’
The filmmaker ended up exactly replicating the wallpaper they had found in the bedroom.
Penelope said: ‘For us it had a meaning.
‘We could see it there and remember the effect it had on us the first time we saw it.’
The versatile actress was determined to do Laura justice because she felt frustrated by the way she was left in Enzo Ferrari’s shadow and her own contributions to their company sidelined.
Emma Stone went with jet black as she stood out at the brunch.
She had on a tailored black dress that came in at the waistline and had a delicate lace hem. Pointy black heels that had thin straps around her ankle added drama.
Stone was also seen arm-in-arm with Yorgos Lanthimos and Mark Ruffalo.
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 14 Cruella star Emma Stone went with jet black as she stood out at the brunch](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/20/79672017-12931791-image-a-57_1704487299956.jpg)
Cruella star Emma Stone went with jet black as she stood out at the brunch
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 16 She had on a tailored black dress that came in at the waistline and had a delicate lace hem. Stone was also seen arm-in-arm with Yorgos Lanthimos and Mark Ruffalo.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/20/79672019-12931791-image-a-58_1704487311623.jpg)
She had on a tailored black dress that came in at the waistline and had a delicate lace hem. Stone was also seen arm-in-arm with Yorgos Lanthimos and Mark Ruffalo.
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 18 Stone, Yorgos Lanthimos and Mark Ruffalo](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/20/79672041-12931791-image-a-68_1704487476292.jpg)
Stone, Yorgos Lanthimos and Mark Ruffalo
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 20 13 Going On 30 actor Ruffalo looked sharp in a black suit with a black crewneck top and shiny black dress shoes](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/20/79672035-12931791-image-a-69_1704487482093.jpg)
13 Going On 30 actor Ruffalo looked sharp in a black suit with a black crewneck top and shiny black dress shoes
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 22 Emma in Poor Things. The synopsis reads: 'Brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, a young woman runs off with a lawyer on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, she grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/21/79673623-12931791-image-a-87_1704489533046.jpg)
Emma in Poor Things. The synopsis reads: ‘Brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, a young woman runs off with a lawyer on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, she grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation’
Georgios ‘Yorgos’ Lanthimos is a Greek filmmaker.
He has received numerous accolades, including a BAFTA Film Award, three nominations for Academy Awards, and three nominations for Golden Globe Awards.
Lanthimos’ early films include My Best Friend, Kinetta, and Dogtooth.
His latest is Poor Things which stars Stone and Ruffalo, which came out to rave reviews on December 8.
The synopsis reads: ‘Brought back to life by an unorthodox scientist, a young woman runs off with a lawyer on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, she grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation.’
The project has been described as a ‘science fantasy black comedy film.’
Also in the cast are Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael.
Anna Kendrick was daring in a low-cut and short-sleeved black sequined mini dress with large buttons. Black platform heels had a round toe and ankle strap. And she held onto a structured crocodile purse with a round Lucite handle.
The 38-year-old Trolls actress wore her long red hair down over her shoulders.
Anna was also seen posing with Mayor of Palm Springs Jeffrey Bernstein.
Her new films this year are Woman Of The Hour. Self Reliance and Trolls Band Together.
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 24 Anna Kendrick was daring in a low-cut and short-sleeved black sequined mini dress with large buttons. Black platform heels had a round toe and ankle strap](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/20/79672021-12931791-image-a-59_1704487316327.jpg)
Anna Kendrick was daring in a low-cut and short-sleeved black sequined mini dress with large buttons. Black platform heels had a round toe and ankle strap
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 26 Mayor of Palm Springs Jeffrey Bernstein and Anna. She held onto a structured crocodile purse with a round Lucite handle](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/20/79672057-12931791-image-a-61_1704487370647.jpg)
Mayor of Palm Springs Jeffrey Bernstein and Anna. She held onto a structured crocodile purse with a round Lucite handle
Lily Gladstone was a standout in her colorful outfit.
The brunette actress was a beauty in a red, white and black tribal print tank top and matching skirt. Both had soft fringe on the bottom.
She added long off white earrings that had a rectangle and drop. Her hair was worn back with curtain bangs in loose waves. Her makeup was matte with a coral red lip.
The 37-year-old star had a hit last year with the Martin Scorsese movie Killers Of The Flower Moon which starred Leonardo DiCaprio.
She has won praise for her role in the gritty drama based on a true story about Native Americans in early America.
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 28 Lily Gladstone was a standout in her colorful outfit. The brunette actress was a beauty in a red, white and black tribal print tank top and matching skirt. Both had soft fringe on the bottom](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/20/79672043-12931791-image-a-60_1704487363458.jpg)
Lily Gladstone was a standout in her colorful outfit. The brunette actress was a beauty in a red, white and black tribal print tank top and matching skirt. Both had soft fringe on the bottom
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 30 She added long off white earrings that had a rectangle and drop. Her hair was worn back with curtain bangs in loose waves. Her makeup was matte with a coral red lip. The 37-year-old star had a hit last year with the Martin Scorsese movie Killers Of The Flower Moon which starred Leonardo DiCaprio](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/20/79672045-12931791-image-a-62_1704487387626.jpg)
She added long off white earrings that had a rectangle and drop. Her hair was worn back with curtain bangs in loose waves. Her makeup was matte with a coral red lip. The 37-year-old star had a hit last year with the Martin Scorsese movie Killers Of The Flower Moon which starred Leonardo DiCaprio
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 32 The 37-year-old star had a hit last year with the Martin Scorsese movie Killers Of The Flower Moon which starred Leonardo DiCaprio](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/21/79673637-12931791-image-a-88_1704489625571.jpg)
The 37-year-old star had a hit last year with the Martin Scorsese movie Killers Of The Flower Moon which starred Leonardo DiCaprio
Lily was raised in Montana and is of Piegan Blackfeet, Nez Perce, and European heritage.
She grew up on the reservation of the Blackfeet Nation.
One of Gladstone’s first acting experiences as a child was when the Missoula Children’s Theatre came to East Glacier to put on Cinderella and she was cast as one of the stepsisters.
Gladstone’s family moved to Seattle during her middle school years to be closer to her grandmother. There she was enrolled in Stone Soup Theatre, a non profit educational theatre company for the Seattle youth.
Ji-young Yoo was also seen at the event. She looked fashionable in a black and white coat with white over the knee boots.
Her latest film is Smoking Tigers.
The synopsis reads: ‘Follows Hayoung, a lonely 16-year-old Korean American girl who tries to hide her problematic family and lower-income background from her new wealthy friends, only to discover the struggles of adulthood that will forever shape her life.’
Yoo has also been in the movies Moxie and Sweet Home.
![Penelope Cruz Stuns in Pink, Emma Stone Opts for Dramatic Black at the Creative Impact Awards in Palm Springs 34 Ji-young Yoo was also seen at the event. She looked fashionable in a black and white coat with white over the knee boots. Her latest film is Smoking Tigers](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/05/20/79672053-12931791-image-a-64_1704487410921.jpg)
Ji-young Yoo was also seen at the event. She looked fashionable in a black and white coat with white over the knee boots. Her latest film is Smoking Tigers