On January 8th, the cast of “The Social Network” (Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer and Rooney Mara are all expected to attend) will be honored with the Performance Ensemble Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Director David Fincher will be on hand to present his cast with the award.

Festival chairman Harold Matzner said, “Every so often, a movie comes along with performances that set the standard for a generation of actors. The Social Network combines a theme that defines our time with performances that redefine acting for the screen. The Social Network is important not because it is about this current moment in history, but because the human motivations of the characters make it a parable for this or any age. The Palm Springs International Film Festival is proud to present the cast, including Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer and Rooney Mara, with the 2011 Ensemble Performance Award.”

PSIFF is shaping up to be quite the showcase for rising talent. The hottest cast of the moment will be joined by fellow up and comers and award recipients Natalie Portman, who is receiving the Acting Achievement Award, Jennifer Lawrence, the Rising Star Award, and Carey Mulligan, the Breakthrough Performance Award.