Mary Hart: A Legacy in Entertainment
For nearly two decades, Mary Hart has been the beloved emcee at the Palm Springs Film Festival. Since 2003, she's had the privilege of witnessing countless stars grace the annual gala, which traditionally kicks off the awards season in January. Her role at the festival is a testament to her enduring influence in Hollywood, even after stepping down from her iconic 30-year run as the host of CBS' Entertainment Tonight.
In a candid conversation with Closer, Mary revealed, "After wrapping up my time at Entertainment Tonight, I wanted to stay connected to the industry I loved so much. Hosting the Palm Springs Film Festival was the perfect opportunity to do just that. Every year, we honor some of the most incredible talents in the business. Watching actors like Timothée Chalamet evolve right before our eyes has been nothing short of remarkable. To see his growth and appreciate his body of work—it’s truly inspiring."
Timothée Chalamet: The Rising Star
This year, the festival is honoring Timothée Chalamet for his outstanding performance in A Complete Unknown, a biographical film about the legendary Bob Dylan. In recognition of his talent, Timothée is receiving the prestigious Chairman Award.
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Mary expressed her admiration for the young actor, saying, "Timothée is an extraordinary talent. Whatever project he takes on, he delivers with such authenticity and depth. My son actually asked me to hold off on watching the Bob Dylan film until he was home for the holidays, so we could experience it together. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do."
Preserving Memories: A Collection of Moments
For Mary, the Palm Springs Film Festival isn't just about celebrating talent; it's also about preserving memories. She proudly keeps every program from the festival in her office archives. "I didn’t even realize how many programs I’ve collected over the years. It’s fascinating to look back on them, much like I did during my time at ET. There’s something truly special about hearing heartfelt speeches from actors who have been in the industry for decades. Watching this event grow year after year into such a remarkable celebration is incredibly rewarding," she shared.
Beyond the festival, Mary cherishes the countless stories and memories she's amassed throughout her career. "I’ll never forget meeting Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Costner, and Meryl Streep early in their careers. Now, they’re legends. Meryl’s breakout role in Sophie’s Choice coincided with my first year at ET. She’s always been a joy to work with—her humor, self-awareness, and gratitude make her one of a kind," Mary reminisced.
Cher and the Legacy of Sonny Bono
Recently, Mary and her husband attended a reading of Cher's new memoir, where they had the chance to catch up with the legendary star. "I’ll never forget interviewing Cher after her Oscar-winning performance in Moonstruck. She’s always been unpredictable and full of surprises. That unpredictability made every interview with her a joy. I truly loved those moments," Mary recalled fondly.
Interestingly, it was Cher’s ex-husband, Sonny Bono, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Palm Springs Film Festival in the 1980s. "What Sonny achieved was extraordinary for the community. At the time, most people appreciated his ability to promote and bring attention to the desert region. Palm Springs had been a major Hollywood hub in the '50s, '60s, and '70s, but it had started to lose its luster. Sonny rejuvenated the area, and his efforts have always been cherished. There’s even a statue of him on the Walk of Fame in Palm Springs. I’m incredibly honored to have my star right next to his," Mary concluded.
