"Throughout his career J.K. Simmons had played a wide range of roles from tough guys in "Oz" and Sam Raimi's Spider Man films to nicer guys in Juno and Up in the Air," said Harold Matzner, Chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. "In Whiplash, Simmons' shines with his tough guy portrayal of a music teacher, who physically and emotionally terrorizes a young drummer, and gives a captivating performance that is alternately hilarious and terrifying. We are honored to present J.K. Simmons with the 2015 Spotlight Award, Actor."