Palm Springs honors Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams will be honored with the Desert Palm Achievement Actress Award at the 23rd annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. The Academy Award-nominated actress will receive the award at a gala on Jan. 7. ''Every generation, the cinema has a few performers who mesmerize audiences with an exceptional blend of talent, versatility and grace,'' said festival chairman Harold Matzner. ''Michelle Williams epitomizes these qualities as she continues to accept challenging role after challenging role. In her latest work, My Week with Marilyn, she perfectly captures the glamour and vulnerability of the iconic Marilyn Monroe who finds respite and solice during a week-long hiatus from Hollywood pressures.'' Williams, who joins George Clooney and Glenn Close among previously announced honorees, currently stars in ''My Week With Marilyn,'' which follows the real-life story of Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier during their work on ''The Prince and the Showgirl.'' Past recipients of the Desert Palm Achievement Award include Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway, Halle Berry, Marion Cotillard, Charlize Theron, Naomi Watts and Kate Winslet. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com