2020 PSIFF Gala: Renée Zellweger, Greta Gerwig & Salma Hayek’s Designer Shoes

The 31st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) gala, held in January 2020, set a sophisticated tone for the decade’s first awards season.

As a premier stop in Southern California’s film circuit, the red carpet offered a definitive look at emerging footwear and fashion trends that remain relevant for gala inspiration years later.

From architectural heels to classic satin platforms, the event showcased how A-list stars like Jennifer Lopez—who donned pink Casadei pumps—and Charlize Theron use footwear to anchor high-fashion silhouettes. These ensembles serve as a masterclass in balancing high-concept designer wear with red-carpet-ready shoes.

Here are the standout looks and designer shoes from the 2020 PSIFF gala.

Renée Zellweger Anchors Jason Wu Tailoring With Classic Jimmy Choo Pumps

Following her critically acclaimed portrayal of Judy Garland in the biopic Judy, Renée Zellweger accepted the Desert Palm Achievement Actress Award at the 2020 gala.

For the event, the actress chose a sophisticated Jason Wu Collection Spring 2020 ensemble. Her all-black look leaned into modern tailoring, featuring tuxedo pants paired with a one-shoulder top crafted from ruffled tulle and peplum detailing.

Renée Zellweger steps onto the red carpet in a sculptural black Jason Wu ensemble, grounding the dramatic tulle detailing with sleek black pointed-toe pumps at the 2020 Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards Gala on January 2, 2020, in Palm Springs, California (Credit: Instar / WENN)

Beauty-wise, hairstylist Richard Marin pulled her blonde hair back in a ponytail with a few loose strands falling around her face.

Makeup artist Kindra Mann applied simple makeup to the actress, accentuating her features with brushed-up brows, mascara, nude pink lip shade, and blush.

Renée Zellweger wears a loose ponytail with soft pink makeup

To complete her look, stylist Petra Flannery teamed Renee’s outfit with a statement ring and timeless black pumps by Jimmy Choo. The sharp, pointed toe provided a seamless finish to the monochromatic, tailored silhouette.

A closer look highlights Renée Zellweger’s classic black Jimmy Choo pumps, whose sharp silhouette adds polish and balance to the tailored, cropped trousers

Greta Gerwig Elevates a Velvet Gucci Gown With Crystal Jimmy Choo Sandals

Actress and filmmaker Greta Gerwig attended the festival to present the Director of the Year Award to Quentin Tarantino.

Known for her preference for vintage-inspired, ankle-length silhouettes, the Little Women director opted for a custom Gucci Spring 2020 purple velvet frock.

Greta Gerwig arrives at the PSIFF gala in a velvet Gucci gown accented by cascading pink beaded fringe that brings movement and color to the classic silhouette

She looked slick with her slightly teased side-parted hair, while her soft pink makeup complemented her outfit.

With her hair slicked back and minimal makeup, Greta Gerwig lets the vibrant beadwork and delicate drop earrings frame her face

While the dress featured ecclesiastical-style pink bead fringe, Gerwig elevated the look with high-octane footwear. She wore a pair of Jimmy Choo sandals featuring crystal-embellished straps and a four-inch stiletto heel, adding a necessary touch of sparkle to the heavy velvet fabric.

A closer view reveals Greta Gerwig’s slim, crystal-strap Jimmy Choo sandals, adding a subtle sparkle beneath the gown’s ankle-grazing hem

Salma Hayek Balances a Gucci Resort Gown With Black Satin Platform Sandals

Salma Hayek made a grand appearance at the PSIFF Awards to present the International Star Award to her long-time friend and Desperado co-star, Antonio Banderas. She was joined by her husband, François-Henri Pinault, the chairman and CEO of Kering.

Salma Hayek, Antonio Banderas, and Francois-Henri Pinault pose together at the 2020 Palm Springs International Film Festival gala

Representing the Kering portfolio, Hayek wore a custom Gucci Resort 2020 gown in black silk georgette. The dress featured feminine ruffles and a striking crystal-embellished silver bow at the neckline.

The Mexican-born actress wore her tresses loose in waves, parted on one side, and highlighted her features with bronzed eyeshadow, mascara, and red lipstick for an added pop of color.

Salma Hayek wears her glossy waves loose with a jeweled neckline and bold red lipstick, creating a timeless Old Hollywood beauty moment

To balance the floor-length hem, she rounded out her look with black satin platform sandals. The heavy platform provided significant height and stability, maintaining the classic red-carpet elegance required for the gala.

Black satin platform sandals with slim ankle straps add height and stability beneath Salma Hayek’s flowing black gown on the red carpet

From Palm Springs 2020 to 2026: How PSIFF Shoes Foreshadow Today’s Red-Carpet Trends

While the 2020 PSIFF established the “power pump” and velvet textures as gala staples, red-carpet footwear has since pivoted toward more structural and daring silhouettes.

Understanding these classic foundations helps in mastering today’s more complex footwear trends.