AceShowbiz -

Palm Springs International Film Festival has chosen the next recipient of its Rising Star Award. At a private event in Beverly Hills, festival chairman Harold Matzner announced that Anna Kendrick, the actress who portrays Bella's classmate Jessica in "Twilight", will be honored with the kudo when 2010 Palm Springs International Film Festival is kicked off on January 5.

"Anna Kendrick is an extremely gifted young actress," Matzner explained. "At age 12, she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Dinah in 'High Society.' She has gone from strength to strength with each succeeding screen roll. Given her striking, multifaceted performance in 'Up in the Air,' we are delighted to present her with the Festival's Rising Star Award."

The 24-year-old will be presented with the prize during the fest's Awards Gala, which will be hosted by "Entertainment Tonight's" Mary Hart, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. She joins the list of previous winners that include Adam Beach, Jessica Biel, Dakota Fanning, Emile Hirsch, Bryce Dallas Howard, Terrence Howard and Scarlett Johansson.

Prior to this honor, Anna Kendrick has received critical acclaim for her portrayal of ultra-competitive high school debate team member Ginny Ryerson in "Rocket Science". The part earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She will be seen as Jessica once again when "The Twilight Saga's New Moon" opens wide in U.S. theaters on November 20.

The 21st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival itself will take place in Palm Springs, California from January 5 to 18. Run by Palm Springs International Film Society, the fest. will unspool more than 200 films.