Brad Pitt reveals why he has a cane as attends film gala with Angelina Jolie

By Sarah Fitzmaurice

Last updated at 4:35 AM on 8th January 2012

He is said to be recovering from a torn medial collateral ligament and was seen walking with a cane on Thursday.

But Brad Pitt is not putting his feet up and tonight he walked the red carpet with the help of a stick and he revealed how he had suffered his leg injury - falling over on a ski slope.

The 48-year-old actor was accompanied by partner Angelina Jolie as they arrived at the 23rd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala.

Snow joke: Brad Pitt revealed he injured his leg on a ski slope while carrying one of the twins as she arrived at a film gala with a cane beside partner Angelina Jolie

Brad looked dapper in a smart black suit and tie with a crisp white shirt which he appeared to have opted for a dark black cane.

The actor told reporters he suffered an injury after falling over on a ski slope while holding onto one of the twins.

Helping hand...and a stick: The 48-year-old actor said he wiped out on a ski-slope while holding one of his children and used the cane to make his way up the red carpet tonight

Cute couple: The pair shared a joke as they made their way down the red carpet together with Brad using a cane

Angelina opted for her simple and sophisticated style once again in a flowing dusty pink pleated halter neck gown.

Despite his injured state Brad was as in demand as ever and made his way to the crowds of screaming fans.

He was seen shaking hands and signing autographs while using his stick to balance.

Nice to meet you: Despite his injured state Brad made his way over to screaming fans and was seen shaking hands with a number of his admirers

That's my girl: As Angelina posed for her own picture Brad was seen with a look of pride and admiration

Angelina and Brad looked as in love as ever sharing a private joke on the red carpet which raised a broad smile from the actress.

And inside as Brad stepped away so his partner could be in a photo alone he was seen with a look of adoration on his face.

Showing some flesh: Angelina's dusty pink gown was backless and revealed the tattoo on her lower back

Brad was honoured at the ceremony with the Desert Palm Achievement Award which noted his acting skills in Moneyball and The Tree of Life.

The father-of-six was presented the award by funnyman Jonah Hill.

Angelina and Brad weren't the only Hollywood couple to step out onto the red carpet at the awards gala and George Clooney and girlfriend Stacy Keibler were also spotted at the event.

Dwarfing George: Stacy Keibler and George Clooney also attended the event and the former wrestler looked much taller than the actor thanks to her quiff in her hair

By George! The actor signed autographs and posed for pictures with his hoards of female fans

The former wrestler looked lovely in a simple black dress with plunging neckline and a golden tan, thanks to the couple's recent break in Mexico.

But Stacy's quiff in her hair made her look much taller than her man and George was left dwarfed as he stood next to his girlfriend on the red carpet.

Just like Brad, George made time for the hoards of screaming female fans and happily posed for photos and signed autographs as he made his way into the event.

Black is best: Olivia Wilde donned a cut out creation with lace detail while Charlize Theron kept it simple but looked stunning with a black dress slashed to the thigh

Marilyn no more: Michelle Williams donned a champagne satin dress with beaded bodice detail and showed off honey blonde locks

The night provided Olivia Wilde the perfect opportunity to show off her new haircut and the actress wowed the crowd in a long black dress with cut out panels and lace detail.

Charlize Theron was also looking incredible in her simple black gown which boasted padded angular shoulders and a thigh high split.

Film favourites: Glenn Close, Jonah Hill and Jessica Chastain

Comedy couple: Melissa McCarthy looked lovely in a midnight blue dress while her husband, and Bridesm! aids co- star Ben Falcone joined her on the red carpet

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While Michelle Williams might have received critical acclaim for her transformation into the iconic blonde bombshell in My Week With Marilyn she arrived with honey-blonde hair looking a world away from her character.

The actress had donned a champagne satin dress with beaded bodice detail for the event.

23rd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala winners

Best Picture: Melancholia Best Director: Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life Best Actor: Brad Pitt, Moneyball, The Tree of Life Best Actress: Kirsten Dunst, Melancholia Best Supporting Actor: Albert Brooks, Drive Best Supporting Actress: Jessica Chastain, The Tree of Life, Take Shelter, The Help Best Screenplay: A Separation, Asghar Farhadi Best Cinematography: The Tree of Life, Emmanuel Lubezki Best Nonfiction Film: Cave of Forgotten Dreams, Werner Herzog Best Foreign Language Film: A Separation, Asghar Farhadi Best Experimental Film: Seeking the Monkey King, Ken Jacobs