Robert Duvall, the supporting actor in ‘The Judge’ and Alejandro G.Inarritu will receive this year’s Director of the Year Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival‘s 26th annual Awards. The festival will run through January 2nd – 12th 2014.

Duvall played the title character in the movie, ‘The Judge’. The movie showcases the story of a lawyer who must seek the help of his lawyer son after being accused of a crime he is unsure if he committed.

“Duvall gives an outstanding and amazingly realistic performance as Judge Joseph Palmer. This is sure to be remembered in his long list of iconic character roles”, said PSIFF chairman Harold Matzner said in a statement.

Inarritu has directed Birdman, and it is being acclaimed widely all over the International film festival circuit. “By creating the illusion that the film was shot in one take and directing award-worthy performances by Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, Emma Stone and a star-studded cast, Inarritu has created a brilliant and original dark comedy”, said Harold Matzner about Inarritu.