Mercedes-Benz Sets 2013 Awards Season in Motion at the Palm Springs International Film Festival

PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Jan. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz and Hollywood's elite actors and actresses are ushering in the 2013 awards season this weekend at the 24^th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival.  As the official vehicle, Mercedes-Benz is sponsoring the annual awards gala and an array of spectacular films from January 3-14, 2013.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100901/NY58315LOGO )

The highlight of the festival is the annual Awards Gala on January 5^th, where celebrity presenters and honorees include, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, Richard Gere, Bradley Cooper, Sally Field, Helen Hunt, Naomi Watts, Helen Mirren, Robert Zemeckis, Diane Lane, Ang Lee and David O'Russell.  The gala hosted at the Palm Springs Convention Center, is featuring Hollywood's top talent in addition to Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles for presenters and honorees as they make their red carpet arrivals. 

"As the kick-off to the glamorous awards season, Mercedes-Benz is delighted to be the official vehicle and sponsor of the Palm Springs International Film Festival." said Jill Martinette, regional marketing manager for Mercedes-Benz.  "Alongside Hollywood's most notable talent and phenomenal films, Mercedes-Benz can highlight its latest vehicle innovations and cutting-edge design for those that want the best in automotive luxury."

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are already a choice for many of Hollywood's top talent.  Actors and actresses such as Kevin Costner, Sofia Vegara, Courtney Cox, Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman and Bryan Cranston drive Mercedes-Benz luxury eco-friendly vehicles, which offer safety, technology and style without compromising luxury.

Throughout the festival, Mercedes-Benz is displaying several 2013 models including the SL63 AMG, SLS AMG Roadster, S63 AMG, E350, SL550, C250 Coupe and GLK350 SUV.

About The Palm Springs International Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming 135,000 attendees each year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries.  The Festival is also known for its annual Black Tie Awards Gala, honoring the best achievements of the filmic year by a celebrated list of talents who, in recent years, have included Ben Affleck, Javier Bardem, Cate Blanchett, Danny Boyle, George Clooney, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, Sean Penn, Brad Pitt, Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron and Kate Winslet.

The 24th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival is presented by Title Sponsor, the City of Palm Springs, which is celebrating its 75 year anniversary in 2013.  Presenting Sponsors are Spencer's, The Desert Sun and Entertainment Tonight and Wells Fargo.  Major sponsors are Regal Entertainment Group, Bank of America, Wintec, Wessman Development, Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, Panavision, Chihuly, Ocean Properties Development Corp., Integrated Wealth Management, Guthy-Renker, Raymond Lawrence, Windermere Real Estate, Innovative Skincare, Desert Regional Medical Center and Telefilm Canada.  Official Airlines are Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines.  The Festival's Awards Gala is presented by Cartier and sponsored by Mercedes-Benz.

For more information, call 760-322-2930 or 800-898-7256 or visit www.psfilmfest.org.

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.  

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA