In Beverly Hills, California, the iconic Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel was teeming with Hollywood’s brightest stars for the illustrious Chanel and Charles Finch dinner, marking the final festivity before the 97th Academy Awards. Despite the looming award show, attendees were in high spirits, ready to relish the evening. Among the Oscar nominees savoring the night were Adrien Brody, Demi Moore, Jeremy Strong, Ralph Fiennes, and Fernanda Torres.
Lupita Nyong’o, who lent her voice to the robotic character Roz in “The Wild Robot,” nominated for best animated film, expressed her anticipation for the awards ceremony, eager to witness the unfolding events. “When you vote, it’s more interesting,” Nyong’o remarked. She emphasized the privilege of celebrating creativity and imagination amidst tumultuous times globally.
The evening’s black carpet was bustling with well-known personalities including actors Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning, who arrived together and shared a light-hearted conversation with TV journalist Gayle King. Renowned director and producer Judd Apatow attended with his daughter, actor Maude Apatow, showcasing a family affair.
Actress Natasha Lyonne playfully engaged with photographers, holding her date’s hand, and jested about having multiple boyfriends when she spotted “Bridgerton” star Regé-Jean Page nearby. Amongst the gathering were “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve, “Wicked” performer Jeff Goldblum, artist and producer Questlove, filmmaker Patty Jenkins, and actors Riley Keough and Olivia Wilde. Some, like Fiennes and comedian John Mulaney, chose to bypass the waiting photographers.
Inside the patio, Harvey Keitel warmly greeted Willem Dafoe, a colleague from “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” with a kiss on the cheek. Soon, Lily-Rose Depp joined their conversation. Onlookers observed actor Michael Keaton slipping by to greet a friend, while Mulaney and his wife, Olivia Munn, conversed with actor Zoey Deutch.
Elsewhere, Brody captivated a group of admirers, and “The Brutalist” director Brady Corbet remained by the side of his partner and co-writer Mona Fastvold. Jeremy Strong, sporting sneakers, mingled through the crowd, while Julie Delpy sought to connect with Moore.
Felicity Jones found a moment to chat with filmmaker Gia Coppola, who highlighted the event as a fusion of cinema and fashion. Most attendees donned Chanel, a brand historically tied to the film industry since fashion icon Gabrielle Chanel was invited to Hollywood by Samuel Goldwyn in 1930. Her contributions extended to collaborations with French filmmakers such as Jean Renoir, and she styled numerous new wave actresses.
Charles Finch, a British producer and entrepreneur, ushered in the evening with a speech expressing gratitude for being guests in America and a stance against tyranny, resonating deeply with attendees like Corbet. Finch enthused that the pinnacle of the night is ensuring guests depart having thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and his delight extends into seeing familiar faces succeed at the Oscars the following day. “Celebrating film is always the most amazing part of the night,” Finch shared warmly.
