With the approach of this coming weekend's Golden Globes ceremony, the 2012 awards season is underway. Hollywood star and OMEGA watches ambassador George Clooney, who is hotly-tipped to walk away with several gongs at this year's major awards shows, has already been honoured with a prestigious prize at the recent Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Clooney accepted the Chairman's Award at the 23rd annual Palm Springs Awards Gala, held on Saturday 10 January. The star received the special honour in recognition for his achievements in film during 2011.

The actor will next be seen in UK cinemas from 27 January in 'The Descendants', a bittersweet comedy from director Alexander Payne. He stars as a grieving husband who reconnects with his daughters after his unfaithful wife struggles to recover from a boating accident.

Both Clooney's central role in 'The Descendants' and his star turn in political thriller 'The Ides of March' (which he also co-wrote and directed) are at the centre of considerable awards buzz at the Golden Globes, with Clooney nominated for his talents both on-screen and behind-the-scenes.

Although this year's Oscar nominations are yet to be announced, the results of the Golden Globes traditionally indicate likely nominees and/or winners of Academy Awards.

So, could this be the year that Clooney finally wins that elusive 'Best Actor' statuette? He's won a 'Best Supporting Actor' Oscar before for his role in 'Syriana' but has so far missed out on his lead roles in films such as 'Michael Clayton' and 'Up in the Air'.

Whatever happens in Hollywoodland over the next couple of months, the Watch Hut will be looking out to see if OMEGA watches ambassador Clooney is sporting one of his favourite Speedmasters, Planet Ocean or Aqua Terra models on the red carpet.