Latest news with #CharlesFinch
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
CHANEL and Charles Finch's 16th Pre-Oscar Dinner Unites the Film and Fashion Worlds
"Tonight — it is about the great movies that happened here and the great people that are here tonight," said British businessman, film producer and publisher Charles Finch, who greeted the glitzy crowd assembled at the Beverly Hills Hotel's Polo Lounge on Saturday, March 1 for the 16th annual Pre-Oscar Dinner. Among the stylish dinner guests were Oscar contenders like The Brutalist star Adrien Brody, with Georgina Chapman, co-star Felicity Jones, director and co-writer Brady Corbet with co-writer Mona Fastvold (read more about their writing process here). The Apprentice star (and Los Angeles cover star) Sebastian Stan came, with Annabelle Wallis — as did another fashionable LA Mag cover star, Sing Sing's Colman Domingo. The Substance's Demi Moore brought daughter Scout Willis (who performed at Monday's Cure Addiction Now event), and the film's director Coralie Fargeat also joined. Other Oscar-nominated guests included I'm Still Here star Fernanda Torres, Dune: Part II's director-producer Denis Villeneuve and Conclave's Ralph Fiennes — who was early to arrive, to the delight of fans. Other film world greats came to support — such as repeat guest Michael Keaton, Al Pacino, Jeff Goldblum, Lupita Nyong'o, Riley Keough, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Lily-Rose Depp, Danielle Deadwyler, Leonardo DiCaprio, Maria Bakalova, Dakota and Elle Fanning, Natasha Lyonne, Olivia Munn and John Mulaney, Patrick Dempsey and Willem Dafoe. Directors like The Piano Lesson's Malcolm Washington, Olivia Wilde, Judd Apatow, Gia Coppola and Ava DuVernay were in the house. Kim Kardashian made a statement in a CHANEL dress with a ponytail referencing early CHANEL looks, while other famed fashion stars like Derek Blasberg mingled. Guests like Rita Ora, Lisa Love, Mick Jagger, Miguel, Diane Warren and Questlove represented the music world, while film execs and publishing owners in attendance included Bela Bajaria, Nicole Avant, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez and Jay Penske. "We have nominees, we have amazing filmmakers," Finch continued, to the group who'd enjoyed drinks and passed bites (like Polo Lounge's tuna tartare and pigs in a blanket) during a cocktail hour outside. "This party started really 30-35 years ago ... it was this night where we welcomed independent filmmakers [and] could and have free food, thanks to Michael Chow at the time." Long before that — since it's inception in 1910 — the House of CHANEL became inextricably linked with the world of cinema on account of founder Gabrielle Chanel, who worked with filmmakers and artists, from whom she also drew inspiration. She loved bringing creatives together for parties in her Paris apartment — and the intimate 150-person CHANEL Pre-Oscar Dinner was established in the same spirit, held for the first time in 2009 and hosted by Madeo restaurant for 10 years. Finch and CHANEL also co-host an annual Pre-BAFTA dinner in London. CHANEL has also long supported initiatives to honor film artists and provide public access. Currently, as part of an ongoing partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, CHANEL is supporting the Academy Museum's Family Matinee screenings — which they're making free to the public for the month of March to bolster cinema and gathering in the L.A. community. The camaraderie is needed now more than ever — which Finch referenced in his address to the crowd before they headed inside for dinner. "We are guests in your country," he said, "and without America, and the time that it's given me and the opportunities it's given me ... I would not be quite as broke as I am!" he joked. "We respect and love your people. America has always been in the center of my heart — it gave me opportunities. I came here with $300 dollars ... And I still have that $300!" Then Finch turned more serious: "It is a difficult time, as you know. I'm prohibited from making long clinical speeches. My family has been around for a thousand years, as they will attest. We have been a military family, often, and we're prepared again to be isolated if we must be. But we will not tolerate any sort of tyranny — and that is just the nature of our country." However, tonight was about celebrating cinema — and Finch praised the year's remarkable nominees. "Nothing has changed — my passion for cinema remains the same," he concluded. "This year is an extraordinary year, [with] extraordinary films. Everybody must see them. And so, we must embrace that — embrace those of you that win something." "[But] it's not about winning," he followed, and drew more laughs when he added: "It's actually about, 'Yes, I was nominated.'"
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chanel event brings Oscar nominees together the night before the big show
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The patio of the storied Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel was packed to the brim with Hollywood stars for the annual Chanel and Charles Finch dinner on Saturday, the final event before the 97th Academy Awards. Everyone was ready to celebrate, undaunted by the long day ahead or the pressure of the awards show Sunday. Oscar nominees at the dinner included Adrien Brody, Demi Moore, Jeremy Strong, Ralph Fiennes and Fernanda Torres. Lupita Nyong'o, who voiced the robot Roz in 'The Wild Robot,' which is up for best animated film, said she is just excited to attend the show and see how the night plays out. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. 'When you vote, it's more interesting,' Nyong'o said. 'Also, it's been a crazy time in the world, so the fact that we still get to sit around and celebrate imagination? That's a privilege. And I'm looking forward to doing that.' The black carpet on Saturday was a conveyer belt of celebrities: actors Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning arrived together, chatting casually with TV journalist Gayle King. Director and producer Judd Apatow made it a family affair, posing with his daughter, actor Maude Apatow. 'Oh, I think I will take a boyfriend picture, thank you so much,' actor Natasha Lyonne told photographers before grabbing her date's hand. Noticing 'Bridgerton' actor Regé-Jean Page nearby, she said with a smile, 'They're both my boyfriends.' Other dinner guests included 'Dune' filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, 'Wicked' star Jeff Goldblum, musician and producer Questlove, filmmaker Patty Jenkins and actors Riley Keough and Olivia Wilde. Some attendees, like Fiennes and comedian John Mulaney, skipped the waiting photographers. On the patio inside, Harvey Keitel was thrilled to see Willem Dafoe and gave him a kiss on the cheek. The two, who co-starred in 'The Grand Budapest Hotel,' were soon joined by actor Lily-Rose Depp. Behind them, actor Michael Keaton snuck by to see a friend, while Mulaney and his wife, actor Olivia Munn, huddled in a corner chatting with actor Zoey Deutch. Brody held court with some admirers elsewhere, while 'The Brutalist' filmmaker Brady Corbet stayed close to his partner and co-writer Mona Fastvold. Strong navigated the room in sneakers and actor Julie Delpy tried to get a word with Moore. In another corner, actor Felicity Jones chatted with filmmaker Gia Coppola, who said the event is a celebratory night where the two art forms of cinema and fashion can come together. Most attendees were bedecked head to toe in Chanel, a fashion house that has been intertwined with cinema since its earliest days. In 1930, Samuel Goldwyn invited Gabrielle Chanel to Hollywood to dress film stars including Gloria Swanson. On her return to Paris, Chanel collaborated with French filmmakers like Jean Renoir and dressed many of the new wave actresses such as Jeanne Moreau and Romy Schneider. Finch, a British producer and entrepreneur, helped kick off Saturday's event before attendees took their seats in the dining room with a brief speech about being guests in this country and not standing for tyranny, which had Corbet cheering enthusiastically. Finch said the best part of the evening is when it's over and he is certain people have had fun. 'Also, when I get to see these people the next day win an Academy Award,' Finch said. 'Celebrating film is always the most amazing part of the night.' ___ For more coverage of the Oscars, visit
The Independent
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Chanel event brings Oscar nominees together the night before the big show
The patio of the storied Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel was packed to the brim with Hollywood stars for the annual Chanel and Charles Finch dinner on Saturday, the final event before the 97th Academy Awards. Everyone was ready to celebrate, undaunted by the long day ahead or the pressure of the awards show Sunday. Oscar nominees at the dinner included Adrien Brody, Demi Moore, Jeremy Strong, Ralph Fiennes and Fernanda Torres. Lupita Nyong'o, who voiced the robot Roz in 'The Wild Robot,' which is up for best animated film, said she is just excited to attend the show and see how the night plays out. 'When you vote, it's more interesting,' Nyong'o said. 'Also, it's been a crazy time in the world, so the fact that we still get to sit around and celebrate imagination? That's a privilege. And I'm looking forward to doing that.' The black carpet on Saturday was a conveyer belt of celebrities: actors Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning arrived together, chatting casually with TV journalist Gayle King. Director and producer Judd Apatow made it a family affair, posing with his daughter, actor Maude Apatow. 'Oh, I think I will take a boyfriend picture, thank you so much,' actor Natasha Lyonne told photographers before grabbing her date's hand. Noticing 'Bridgerton' actor Regé-Jean Page nearby, she said with a smile, 'They're both my boyfriends.' Other dinner guests included 'Dune' filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, 'Wicked' star Jeff Goldblum, musician and producer Questlove, filmmaker Patty Jenkins and actors Riley Keough and Olivia Wilde. Some attendees, like Fiennes and comedian John Mulaney, skipped the waiting photographers. On the patio inside, Harvey Keitel was thrilled to see Willem Dafoe and gave him a kiss on the cheek. The two, who co-starred in 'The Grand Budapest Hotel,' were soon joined by actor Lily-Rose Depp. Behind them, actor Michael Keaton snuck by to see a friend, while Mulaney and his wife, actor Olivia Munn, huddled in a corner chatting with actor Zoey Deutch. Brody held court with some admirers elsewhere, while 'The Brutalist' filmmaker Brady Corbet stayed close to his partner and co-writer Mona Fastvold. Strong navigated the room in sneakers and actor Julie Delpy tried to get a word with Moore. In another corner, actor Felicity Jones chatted with filmmaker Gia Coppola, who said the event is a celebratory night where the two art forms of cinema and fashion can come together. Most attendees were bedecked head to toe in Chanel, a fashion house that has been intertwined with cinema since its earliest days. In 1930, Samuel Goldwyn invited Gabrielle Chanel to Hollywood to dress film stars including Gloria Swanson. On her return to Paris, Chanel collaborated with French filmmakers like Jean Renoir and dressed many of the new wave actresses such as Jeanne Moreau and Romy Schneider. Finch, a British producer and entrepreneur, helped kick off Saturday's event before attendees took their seats in the dining room with a brief speech about being guests in this country and not standing for tyranny, which had Corbet cheering enthusiastically. Finch said the best part of the evening is when it's over and he is certain people have had fun. 'Also, when I get to see these people the next day win an Academy Award,' Finch said. 'Celebrating film is always the most amazing part of the night.' ___
Associated Press
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Chanel event brings Oscar nominees together the night before the big show
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The patio of the storied Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel was packed to the brim with Hollywood stars for the annual Chanel and Charles Finch dinner on Saturday, the final event before the 97th Academy Awards. Everyone was ready to celebrate, undaunted by the long day ahead or the pressure of the awards show Sunday. Oscar nominees at the dinner included Adrien Brody, Demi Moore, Jeremy Strong, Ralph Fiennes and Fernanda Torres. Lupita Nyong'o, who voiced the robot Roz in 'The Wild Robot,' which is up for best animated film, said she is just excited to attend the show and see how the night plays out. 'When you vote, it's more interesting,' Nyong'o said. 'Also, it's been a crazy time in the world, so the fact that we still get to sit around and celebrate imagination? That's a privilege. And I'm looking forward to doing that.' The black carpet on Saturday was a conveyer belt of celebrities: actors Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning arrived together, chatting casually with TV journalist Gayle King. Director and producer Judd Apatow made it a family affair, posing with his daughter, actor Maude Apatow. 'Oh, I think I will take a boyfriend picture, thank you so much,' actor Natasha Lyonne told photographers before grabbing her date's hand. Noticing 'Bridgerton' actor Regé-Jean Page nearby, she said with a smile, 'They're both my boyfriends.' Other dinner guests included 'Dune' filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, 'Wicked' star Jeff Goldblum, musician and producer Questlove, filmmaker Patty Jenkins and actors Riley Keough and Olivia Wilde. Some attendees, like Fiennes and comedian John Mulaney, skipped the waiting photographers. On the patio inside, Harvey Keitel was thrilled to see Willem Dafoe and gave him a kiss on the cheek. The two, who co-starred in 'The Grand Budapest Hotel,' were soon joined by actor Lily-Rose Depp. Behind them, actor Michael Keaton snuck by to see a friend, while Mulaney and his wife, actor Olivia Munn, huddled in a corner chatting with actor Zoey Deutch. Brody held court with some admirers elsewhere, while 'The Brutalist' filmmaker Brady Corbet stayed close to his partner and co-writer Mona Fastvold. Strong navigated the room in sneakers and actor Julie Delpy tried to get a word with Moore. In another corner, actor Felicity Jones chatted with filmmaker Gia Coppola, who said the event is a celebratory night where the two art forms of cinema and fashion can come together. Most attendees were bedecked head to toe in Chanel, a fashion house that has been intertwined with cinema since its earliest days. In 1930, Samuel Goldwyn invited Gabrielle Chanel to Hollywood to dress film stars including Gloria Swanson. On her return to Paris, Chanel collaborated with French filmmakers like Jean Renoir and dressed many of the new wave actresses such as Jeanne Moreau and Romy Schneider. Finch, a British producer and entrepreneur, helped kick off Saturday's event before attendees took their seats in the dining room with a brief speech about being guests in this country and not standing for tyranny, which had Corbet cheering enthusiastically. Finch said the best part of the evening is when it's over and he is certain people have had fun. 'Also, when I get to see these people the next day win an Academy Award,' Finch said. 'Celebrating film is always the most amazing part of the night.'
