Gala celebrations, which bring together artists, musicians, and actors, are a big part of charity events. Films are also pushing for awards consideration, hoping for box office support from theatergoers. It’s a typical November in Tinseltown and beyond. Celebrities are out and about giving back, while also campaigning for box office wins, and the end-of-the-year awards love.
LACMA Art+Film Gala, 2022 LACMA
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Gucci was back as the major sponsor for the LACMA Art+Film Gala in 2022. The annual fundraiser is co-chaired each year by Eva Chow (Leonardo DiCaprio). As the Los Angeles County Art Museum reminds us, this one isn’t just about rubbing shoulders and breaking bread with a gaggle of ultra-rich, ultra-famous people, it has a real effect on the arts in the City of Angels.
The gala drew so many well-known faces it was almost impossible to keep up, from Kim Kardashian and her younger sister Kendall Jenner, as well as Sean Penn, Paris Hilton, Idris Elba and the night’s honorees, artist Helen Pashgian and filmmaker Park Chan-wook.
A lucky group rode in chauffeured Audis, including Olivia Wilde (Sebastian Stan), Janelle Monae (Sandra Oh), Jude Law (Sandra Wilde), Janelle Monae (Jude Law), Sandra Oh, and many others dressed in Gucci fashion. Billie Ellish was accompanied by Jesse Rutherford as her main man. This led to a completely new trend on the red carpet: they wore their pajamas (Gucci) and there was no doubt about their intimate relationship.
We’re not sure what sky-high heels made Julia Garner tower over Elliot Page, who sported a natty tuxedo, but they made a slightly odd-looking couple. And the woman that really sent a frisson through the slightly jaded crowd every step she took was artist Betye Saar, who at 96 is one of America’s most treasured artistic geniuses. It’s a great night when Betye hits the town!
2022 amfAR Gala Los Angeles
Pacific Design Center, West Hollywood
It was a rare cold night in West Hollywood, but that didn’t stop the stars from flocking to the 2002 amfAR Gala, where they continued to fight the good fight against the AIDS virus. Raising funds for AIDS research brought out some of music and movies’ favorite stars, including Andy Garica, Jenna Dewan, Jay Ellis, Michelle Rodriguez and many others.
Kelly Rowland, a singer, was recognized for her support of amfAR. Kelly accepted the honor from her husband and son and reminded the rapt audience of the importance of AIDS research, getting personal when recalling how the virus took the life of the uncle of her Destiny’s Child bandmate Beyonce when they were younger.
“Top Gun: Maverick”Jay Ellis, star of the Gala, hosted it and reminded everyone that they must keep the dream alive. “One day we’ll get to that time where there’s a cure.”Lay Zhang, international singing sensation, has another dream.That he shared it with , saying, “I would love to work with Charlie Puth!”The evening concluded with some inspiring performances by Madison Beer and Aloe Blacc. It was a wonderful event that helped a greater cause.– Elijah Gil
16th Annual Stand Upfor Heroes Benefit
David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center, New York
The Stand Up for Heroes Benefit is a worldwide event that brings joy, laughter, and amazing musical performances to the world every year. It honors and assists American veterans who have been impacted by the war in Iraq and their families. It’s an often emotional night presented by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the nonprofit started by the ABC News reporter (who was injured while covering the Iraq War) and his wife, Lee, that draws support from entertainers of all sorts.
The 16th Lincoln Center Benefit featured comedians Jon Stewart and Hasan Minhaj as well as musicians such Jewel, The Lumineers or Amber Iman. All performed short sets to the delights of the assemblage. The night raised over $4.5 million for veterans in the United States thanks to big stars like Springsteen.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles “Big Night Out” Gala
NeueHouse Hollywood
Inspirationwas the word of the night at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles’ “The Big Night Out” celebration honoring entertainment leaders including publicist and The Lede Company co-CEO Meredith O’Sullivan, whose engagement as a Big Sister makes her more than simply a financial supporter of the BBBSLA.
Jennifer Garner, her best friend, joined her to spotlight this long-standing organization that focuses on youth empowerment through mentoring relationships. After a convivial cocktail party, the awards segment of the evening found Garner praising O’Sullivan’s dedication and saying, “This woman is the kindest and most loyal person I know, and no one deserves this more than Meredith.” She presented the Sherry Lansing Award to O’Sullivan as Lansing herself looked on.
Andy Grammer, Jhoanna Alb, and Troy Carter were also honored with awards. The most moving speech of the evening was delivered by Jerome Caldwell, BBBSLA Junior Board Chair, and his wife, and his girlfriend, Ashley Caldwell. “little brother” Jaylen. Jaylen recalled being bullied and related how being a part of the program really gave him a new perspective on life with Jerome as his inspiration, which struck an emotional chord with the audience – and the two were given a standing ovation.
Chris Daly, BBBSLA board member, closed the evening reminding the glitterati: “Big Brothers Big Sisters is such an important organization, it really can help change lives,”Encouraged those who haven’t mentored a boy/girl in need to do so soon.
Ebony Power 100 Awards
Milk Studios, Los Angeles
At the star-studded annual Ebony Power 100 Gala at Milk Studios in Hollywood, a crowd gathered to honor the extraordinary achievements of African Americans across numerous industries. Emmy-nominated comedian Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show”We were privileged to hear from, the host of the gala, about the meaning of the evening. “Tonight is about making sure people feel honored,”She said: “making people feel seen and giving people their flowers.”
Hollywood’s biggest names took home honors, including Oscar winner Spike Lee, Emmy-nominated actress Issa Rae and the cast of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”Letitia Wright gave her all. “Wakanda”Chadwick Boseman, a co-star in the film, was awarded this award. He unfortunately died in 2020. “We give this award up to the heavens for our brother and – of course – Wakanda Forever,”Holding the trophy in her hands, she spoke.
The evening had another emotional moment as the mothers of both Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery gave powerful speeches, bringing tears to most of the audience as they gave the two a standing ovation. Ebony CEO Eden Bridgeman Sklenar gave the closing remarks. Quinta, Kandi, Ahmaud Arbery, Meagan Good and P-Valley star Nico Annan were cheered on by Meagan Good, Kandi Brunson, Kandi Buress, Kandi Burnress, Meagan Taylor, Meagan Good, Nia Long Jabari Banks Jonathan Majors, and social media superstar Lala Milan.
As the stars danced and mingled, the after party was a place to be. We caught up “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”Star Garcelle Beauvais grinned and shouted. “It feels so good to be surrounded by such joy in one room!”– Red-carpet reporting by Elijah Gil
TheCritics Choice Association’s Celebration of Asian Pacific Cinema & Television
Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, Century City
The Critics Choice Association kicked-off its award-season celebrations by hosting a new gala event. “Celebration of Asian Pacific Cinema & Television”Held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel. Created in “showcase both emerging and established talent,” according to CCA president Joey Berlin, the night featured an array of Hollywood’s veteran and newly emerging Asian talents, awarding trophies in numerous categories in the ballroom filled with familiar faces.
James Hong took to the stage early, accepting his Icon Award early on in the livestreamed show, and reminded the rapt crowd of some of the challenges he’s faced in his 70-plus years as a working actor in Hollywood. “I remember in the 1950s, working on TV shows and even on the set, they didn’t learn my name. They just yelled, ‘Bring on the Chinese guy,’”The 93-year old star, who was born in Minneapolis, pointed out to a younger crowd that included Ke Huy Quan and his “Everything Everywhere All At Once”Hong was presented his award by costar
Li Jun Li represented the beautiful and young contingent. She was awarded her Breakthrough Actress for Film Award for demonstrating her steady rise in Hollywood since her immigrating from Shanghai, China to New York. She’s starring in “Babylon,”One of the most anticipated films is making a comeback towards December. It looks like it will soon become a household name. Elodie Yuung, the French-Cambodian actress. “The Cleaning Lady”Her Breakthrough Actress for Television Award was presented to her. She received her crystal statue with double cheek kisses from Munika Lay, producer of the award. “Oldboy” director Park Chan-wook accepted his Director Award for Film with a bit less ebullience, as he’s already won numerous awards.
Others on hand for the festivities included award winners John Cho, Frank Chi, Auli’i Cravalho, Karyn Kusama and many more Asian Pacific talents, as well as Sam Richardson, Darren Criss and Michelle Rodriguez.
Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards – 12th
Avalon Hollywood Los Angeles
The 12th Hamilton: Behind the Camera Awards went off with a big bang of top stars at the Avalon Hollywood, as power players including Jordan Peele, Viola Davis, Kathryn Hahn, Carey Mulligan, Gina Prince-Bythewood and many more joined up to honor those talented people who work “behind the camera.”Fortune Feimster, a funny lady who kept the crowd laughing all night while jokingly promoting her Netflix series, was the host. Kathryn Hahn brought the crowd to its knees as she presented Rian Johnson with his award. She then launched into a funny, humorous intro that ended in. “I can’t say enough about this jerk, I love him so much!”
The Hamilton Watch Company and Los Angeles Confidential collaborate annually to host the event to recognize extraordinary people who make feature films successful. Aimee Carrero and Jaimie Alexander were also present at the party, along with many other creative teams behind films such as Jay Ellis, Frankie Faison and Jay Ellis. “Nope,” “The Woman King,” “Till,” “The Fabelmans”You can find out more. Fun fact: Each honoree was able to choose their own Hamilton watches as part of their top-tier parting gift swag.– Red-carpet reporting by Elijah Gil
“Slumberland”
AMC Century City – Century City
The premiere of the new Netflix film was held at Century City’s Westfield Mall. It was a friendly evening for all ages “Slumberland,”As guests gathered on the red carpet, they enjoyed a night filled with magic and fun. The event offered something for everyone: Parents who brought their children to the premiere were welcomed with sliders and drink options while the children were entertained by a variety of entertainment. “build your own slime”You can also find out more about a “magical candy vending machine”To keep them entertained.
The crowd enjoyed a good time until Jason Momoa, the star of the Netflix movie, arrived in red-carpet fashion. He arrived in his pajamas.A quick conversation with , Jason describes his character’s constant search for a pearl to make a wish. Is this his own wish? “Find the match for my friend Travis who is trying to beat leukemia.”
Jason added that he’s spoken with his new DC Universe boss James Gunn about the next steps for the Warner Bros. comic franchises. “Of course I have, we are now connected,”We heard him tell us.
“Slumberland”Francis Lawrence, director, also shared his thoughts. “To make something that felt so hopeful in a time that is difficult was really nice,”He thought. Lawrence, who has just finished the upcoming “Hunger Games”Prequel “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,”We were able to share that experience. “It’s very unique and tonally it feels very different, but it also shares some of the same touch points of the other movies,”He revealed. “I think fans are going to be really excited about it!”– Red-carpet reporting by Elijah Gil
“Spirited”
Alice Tully Hall Lincoln Center New York
In the first wave of Christmas-themed movies to arrive on the scene, Apple Original Films’ “Spirited”Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell may be the most powerful duo, possibly the biggest. They’ll give us yet another retelling of the Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol,”This time the story is told from the perspective of the ghosts. There are also musical numbers. This holiday feature stars Octavia Spencer. It was premiered at Lincoln Center in New York a little early to allow the season’s full swing.
Animation is Film Festival
Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills
All of the Academy of Arts and Sciences’ Samuel Goldwyn Theater agreed with this sentiment. “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”It was the perfect spot to celebrate the close of the Animation Is Film Festival, especially since the beautiful stop-motion picture had not been spooled. The audience watched each frame of the credits, then the crowd burst into shouts and cheers.
Del Toro enjoyed the moment and then explained it to the audience. “What we tried to do is to tackle things that hurt. That doesn’t mean the movie does not have the largest beating heart possible, and it was a loving heart. For me, this movie is a huge hug to the world. Because we need it. We need love. We need empathy, we need to see each other. But in the world there is pain. And when we make stories, we’ve got to account for that pain as well.”
He certainly felt the love when he spent nearly an hour with Phil Tippett (Oscar winner and SFX genius) on stage. And despite the fact that there was no official after-party reception in the lobby of the Academy, del Toro lingered with a large group to continue talking about the thing that everyone at the Animation Is Film Festival agreed on – that animation can be as real and moving as any live-action movie.
2022 AFI Fest Film Festival
TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood
Selena Gomez started the 2022 AFI Fest Film Festival with the TCL Chinese Theatre “My Mind & Me,” the opening night world premiere of the new documentary following the pop star’s life over the past six years. Selena was stunning in a silk purple cocktail gown.Opened to about the creation of the film.
“It was a happy accident; I truly didn’t know I was going to share this much, but I hope when it comes to mental health it inspires a lot of people,”She said. The crowd marveled at the pop singer’s ability to overcome the pressures and downfalls that fame can bring, and throughout the screening there were sniffles at the behind-the-scenes look at the media’s attempt to diminish the former Disney star.
Gomez also performed a brand new song during the closing credits. The lyrics were very telling. “My mind and me, we don’t get along sometimes.”Fans were captivated by these lyrics and one person commented on them after the movie. “Wow, I had no idea she went through all this! I have a new found love for Selena Gomez.”The documentary and song were a great way to close the film.
A list of other award contenders was not revealed at the AFI Fest this Year, including “Living,” “She Said,” “The Son” and the hottest ticket of all, the closing night celebration of Steven Spielberg’s very personal semiautobiographical drama “The Fabelmans.”The iconic director was so close to his family that he invited his younger sisters Anne, Sue and Nancy to be with him on the red carpet.Theystory, too.
Michelle Williams, an Academy Award-winning actress, plays the role of Mitzi Fabelman, a matriarch in the film. “It was such a beautiful thing to be asked to do, to play somebody’s most beloved figure in their childhood, it was a really beautiful gift to be given.”
Paul Dano plays the family’s father, Burt Fabelman, and described the pressure to live up to the Oscar-winning director’s expectations. “There were times where it was a heavy cloak to bear,”He admitted. The film made the audience laugh. “This is one of the most inspirational films I have seen in years,”One.
Michelle Williams describes the joy she feels in her role.Here.– Red-carpet reporting by Elijah Gil
Wolk morais Cashmere Fireside dinner launch event
Olivetta Restaurant, West Hollywood
Hollywood’s fashion tastemakers came out in force to attend the Wolk Morias Cashmere Fireside Dinner in order to be the first to see Brian Wolk and Claude Morais’ elegant winter-coat creation up close and personal. Held at Olivetta Restaurant in WeHo, the intimate party boasted some of the world’s most famous dressers to the stars, including stylists who create the looks for an incredible variety of actors and singers.
Look one direction and you will see Elizabeth Stewart. Her clients include Cate Blanchett (Julie Roberts), Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain and Jessica Chastain. Look nearby and there was Cristina Erlich (who could be Stewart’s sister), who creates the looks for Jane Fonda, Natasha Lyonne and a host of others. Taylor Swift’s style expert Joseph Cassell made the scene, too, as did B. Akerlund, who gives advice toBothLady Gaga and Madonna.
Everyone sipped Hendrick’s Gin cocktails throughout the meal, as Brian Wolk explained the idea behind the limited-edition cashmere coat that the designers are selling solely at Peri.A in Beverly Hills (and Aspen). “We call them ‘robe coats,’ and we created for both women and men, with a thought of Old Hollywood style,”We heard him tell us. “And doing them in so many colors makes it easy for anyone to find the perfect cashmere coat that they can wear forever.”
Netflix Celebrates “Wednesday”With “WednesGay”
Los Globos, Silver Lake
If you’re a gay man working in media and entertainment, you may well have been on the guest list for WednesGay, Netflix’s exclusive drag celebration of its upcoming “The Addams Family”spinoff with Tim Burton “Wednesday.”
It was shoulder-to-shoulder at Silver Lake’s Los Globos as gothed-up guests dressed to the nines and enjoyed an open bar, beats by New York City DJ Oscar Nn and a drag revue from some of the most prominent “RuPaul’s Drag Race”The game’s vets are Violet Chachki and Gottmik as well as Crystal Methyd and Mo Heart.
“Wednesday Addams was, like, a f—-ing goth icon in my life. Truly, growing up I was an ‘Addams Family’ diva, so being here and performing for you guys, you spooky f—ots in this room? I’m living!”Gottmik, a fan favourite finalist from season 13 “Drag Race,”While rousing the crowd, he said. “It’s Wednes-GAY, honey, tonoight!”
Gottmik, who lip synced to a pop-metal mixup that featured excerpts from “The Exorcist” and Kim Petras’ “Massacre,” was the third queen on the night’s set list. Crystal Methyd, Season 12 Finalist, opened the night. Mo Heart of Season 12 followed her. “Drag Race: All Stars”Season 4. The latter performed Christina Aguilera’s “Haunted Heart”From the animated “The Addams Family” 2018 soundtrack. Headlining was Season 7 winner Violet Chachki, who broke out her signature burlesque act – spider-shaped nipple pasties and all – to “Bitter:Sweet”Dirty Laundry
As the ringleader of the spooky circus, I was that “Bros”Ts Madison, multihyphenate entertainer extraordinaire, was the featured player. He encouraged the crowd not to stop drinking and tipping. Hunter Doohan, JohnnaDias-Watson and Jennie Garth were other notable guests. “Glee”Chris Colfer, star
After a breakneck dance contest between two people, the clock was ticking towards midnight. The cheek-to-cheek mingling continued on and off the dance floor. Hardly a body left the club without taking a photo at Wednesday Addams’ Moira Rose-inspired wig wall, where the black, braided pigtail wigs were given out for keeps.– Benjamin Lindsay
Belynda H.: To Paint is to Love Art Exhibit
Gruin Gallery in West Hollywood
Belynda Henry, one of Australia’s best-known and award-winning landscape artists, brought her works to the Gruin Gallery in West Hollywood for “To Paint Is to Love,”An exhibition/sale that runs until mid-December. Opening night brought out a wide range of art (and Oz) lovers, including Aussie mate Natasha Bassett, whose turn in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis”This year’s big news was centered on Thomas Kretschmann, a German hunk. Fellow Aussies like producer and CEO of Hello Sunshine Sarah Harden also checked out Henry’s work, along with Oscar-winning cinematographer Dion Beebe and his wife, director Unjoo Moon. Word is that Christian Louboutin is scooping up all of Henry’s work to adorn the walls of his new hotel in Portugal, so get thee to the gallery to beat him out of one of her popular watercolors before they are all spoken for.
Please send event invitations to Jenny Peters at [email protected].