Now this was funny.
Hollywood celebrities experienced unexpected travel disruptions over the weekend after President Donald Trump authorized decisive military action tied to Venezuela, triggering temporary airspace restrictions across parts of the region.
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was among those affected. The longtime Hollywood star was forced to accept a major industry award remotely after being unable to leave the Caribbean island of St. Barts, where he had spent the New Year.
DiCaprio had been scheduled to appear in person at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, where he was set to receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his role in One Battle After Another. Festival organizers confirmed Saturday that restricted airspace and travel interruptions prevented his attendance.
A festival representative said DiCaprio could not attend in person because of unforeseen travel issues and airspace limitations, adding that organizers were still pleased to honor his achievements and long-standing impact on film.
According to Variety, DiCaprio’s travel plans were impacted shortly after the U.S. military carried out what officials described as a large-scale operation in Venezuela early Saturday morning. President Trump later confirmed that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken into U.S. custody.
Video shared online showed DiCaprio delivering brief remarks from abroad, where he spoke generally about the importance of preserving traditional movie theaters and original storytelling. The appearance was pre-recorded and played during the ceremony.
Travel issues extended beyond Hollywood events. The Palm Springs International Airport issued a public advisory Saturday morning warning travelers of delays and temporary ground stops due to Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control issues affecting Southern California airspace. Departing flights were paused, while some inbound flights were diverted.
By Sunday, Maduro and his wife had arrived in Brooklyn, where they are expected to face serious narcotics and weapons-related charges in the Southern District of New York.
President Trump addressed the situation directly, stating that the United States would oversee Venezuela’s transition until a stable and legitimate leadership structure can be put in place. He emphasized that the administration will not allow power vacuums or hostile actors to take control of the country.
“We can’t risk someone else stepping in,” Trump said, underscoring that national security and regional stability take precedence over political optics or celebrity inconveniences.
While Hollywood adjusted its schedules, the administration made clear that protecting American interests and enforcing the rule of law remain the top priorities.
