The very gorgeous lady, Freida Pinto struggled to jump start and make her acting career happen. Most of Freida Pinto's career had been concentrated in the world of modeling. She also had the opportunity to work as a TV correspondent in Mumbai, but unlike most Bollywood models turned actresses, she just wasn't receiving any acting offers.

Well, all of her luck has changed with her lead role in Slumdog Millionaire and she is being honored at an awards ceremony amongst some of the greatest American actors like Dustin Hoffman, Sean Penn, and Clint Eastwood. The 20th Annual Palm Springs Film Festival gala will honor Freida Pinto the Breakthrough Performance Award. And what a performance it was, Freida Pinto must be excited to receive that award and also be apart of a film that may be nominated in the Oscars.

The chairman of the festival, Harold Matzner said of Freida Pinto, "we're delighted to be able to present the Breakthrough Award to the extraordinary, beautiful Freida Pinto for her compelling, standout performance in the film." That's sure to make Bollywood directors stand up and take a look at her for some other roles. Past Breakthrough Performance Award recipients include Jennifer Hudson and Felicity Huffman.

The festival will take place from January 6th to January 19th and will be hosted by Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart. We hope Freida Pinto makes the trip for the awards gala because we can't wait to see her in a sexy gown receiving such a cool award!

Congratulations Freida Pinto! What do Desi Hits readers think about Freida Pinto? Do we love her or is she not at the top of your list? And for those who saw the film, do you think this award is well deserved or can you think of some more deserving actresses?