Miley Cyrus Critiques Competitive Nature of Awards Season

Miley Cyrus attended the Palm Springs Film Awards on January 3, 2026, where she was honored for her song “Dream As One,” featured in the soundtrack of *Avatar: Fire and Ash*. During her acceptance speech, Cyrus addressed the competitive atmosphere often associated with awards season in Hollywood, emphasizing the need for a supportive creative community rather than one defined by rivalry. She remarked, “So often during awards season, we’re set up as competitors, but we’re meant to be a community, not opponents. There is no single best, it’s only our personal best work.”

Express TribuneHollywood ReporterNME | New Musical Express

Cyrus highlighted the unique nature of artistic expression, stating, “Numbers can make it feel like a sport, but performance runs so much deeper than a scoreboard, because each artist, they bare their soul in a completely unique way.” She noted that this perspective is crucial for understanding the value of individual contributions to the arts. Cyrus also expressed admiration for both award-winning actors and drag performers, suggesting that self-creation is an art form shared across different fields.

NME | New Musical Express

In her speech, Cyrus acknowledged the extensive work that went into *Avatar: Fire and Ash*, thanking director James Cameron and the film's team for their dedication over 16 years. She humorously noted her relatively short involvement, stating, “They’ve worked on this movie for 16 years; I’ve been involved for like a month, and I get to go to all the same events!” This comment reflects her appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the recognition she received as part of a larger project.

NME | New Musical Express

Cyrus's comments resonate with a broader critique of the awards season, where artists often feel pressured to compete against one another. By participating in an event where winners are announced in advance, she found the Palm Springs Film Awards to be a refreshing departure from the typical competitive format. This approach allowed for a celebration of artistic achievements without the stress of competition, which she believes can detract from the true purpose of artistic expression.

Express Tribune

• “So often during awards season, we’re set up as competitors, but we’re meant to be a community, not opponents.” — Miley Cyrus

NME | New Musical Express

• “Numbers can make it feel like a sport, but performance runs so much deeper than a scoreboard, because each artist, they bare their soul in a completely unique way, and every contribution leaves its own mark on history.” — Miley Cyrus

Hollywood Reporter

• “Whether you’re in or out of this industry, we all have a persona, even the ones that are rooted in authenticity, because self-creation is an art form, and all of us, we perform genuinely.” — Miley Cyrus

Express Tribune

Miley Cyrus's remarks at the Palm Springs Film Awards highlight a critical perspective on the competitive nature of awards season in Hollywood. By advocating for a sense of community among artists, she encourages a shift in focus from competition to collaboration, emphasizing the importance of individual artistic contributions within the broader creative landscape.

Express Tribune