Adam Sandler accepted the Chairman’s Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on Jan. 3 and declared he and wife Jackie would still be together even if he’d never become a star.
A Star-Studded Night
The 59-year-old actor earned the honor for his dramatic turn as Ron Sukenick in the Netflix film Jay Kelly, introduced onstage by costar Laura Dern.
Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi praised the performance:
> “Adam Sandler delivers a deeply moving and career-best performance in Jay Kelly. It is a performance which underscores his standing as one of the most versatile and respected actors of his generation.”
Destiny on His Mind
During his speech, Sandler imagined an alternate life had he followed his father’s advice to work as an electrical engineer.
> “I sometimes think about it, [if] I didn’t click that year and I did go work for my dad, what my life would be right now,” he said. “First off, I’m thinking I’d probably still be married to my wife, Jackie. That’s destiny. Nothing stops that.”
He added with a laugh:
> “But we definitely [would] have a different house. Probably, like, 10 less bathrooms and [fewer] statues of me.”
Family Facts
- Married Jackie Sandler in June 2003
- Parents to daughters Sadie (born 2006) and Sunny (born 2008)
- Celebrated 21 years of marriage
Festival Highlights
| Honoree | Award |
|---|---|
| Adam Sandler | Chairman’s Award |
| Miley Cyrus | – |
| Timothée Chalamet | – |
| Leonardo DiCaprio | – |
| Kate Hudson | – |
Jay Kelly is now streaming on Netflix.
Key Takeaways
- Sandler calls his 21-year marriage “destiny”
- Chairman’s Award caps a season of honors for Jay Kelly
- The dramedy also earned him Critics Choice and Golden Globe nominations
The Sandlers’ Palm Springs appearance underscores a milestone awards season for the actor’s dramatic reinvention.
