BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The luxurious patio of the iconic Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel showcased a star-studded gathering on Saturday night, marking the annual Chanel and Charles Finch dinner, an event that traditionally precedes the Academy Awards. This year, the gathering was particularly special as it served as the final celebration leading up to the 97th Academy Awards.
Despite the anticipation of the next day’s challenges and the intensity surrounding the awards ceremony, attendees were in high spirits, ready to enjoy the evening's festivities. Among the Oscar nominees present were notable figures such as Adrien Brody, Demi Moore, Jeremy Strong, Ralph Fiennes, and Fernanda Torres. Lupita Nyong'o, who lent her voice to the character Roz in the animated film "The Wild Robot," expressed her excitement about attending the ceremony, emphasizing the value of celebrating creativity amid challenging times.
As guests arrived on the black carpet, it transformed into a display of glamour and camaraderie. Actors Elle Fanning and Dakota Fanning were spotted sharing casual conversations with TV journalist Gayle King. The family affair vibe was highlighted by director Judd Apatow, who took the opportunity to strike a pose with his daughter, actress Maude Apatow. Actor Natasha Lyonne playfully engaged with photographers before introducing her date, adding a humorous twist by referring to "Bridgerton" star Regé-Jean Page as one of her boyfriends, bringing laughter to the gathering.
Other attendees included “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve, “Wicked” star Jeff Goldblum, musician Questlove, and acclaimed filmmakers like Patty Jenkins and actors Riley Keough and Olivia Wilde. While some guests like Ralph Fiennes and comedian John Mulaney navigated past the waiting photographers, the gathering maintained a vibrant energy filled with chatter and laughter.
Inside the patio, veteran actor Harvey Keitel joyfully greeted Willem Dafoe with a kiss on the cheek, both actors having shared the screen in “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” They were soon joined by actress Lily-Rose Depp, while nearby Michael Keaton shared a moment with a friend. In another area, John Mulaney and his wife, Olivia Munn, were engaged in a cozy conversation with actress Zoey Deutch, while Brody held court with admirers, and filmmaker Brady Corbet remained close to his partner and co-writer Mona Fastvold.
Felicity Jones was seen deep in conversation with filmmaker Gia Coppola, who remarked on the event's significance as a celebration that merges cinema and fashion—a pairing deeply rooted in history. Chanel has long been synonymous with Hollywood glamour, having dressed some of the most iconic film stars since 1930, when Gabrielle Chanel first made her mark in the industry by adorning talents like Gloria Swanson. This longstanding relationship has continued to evolve, with the fashion house integral to the style of many modern actresses.
As the evening unfolded, Charles Finch delivered a brief yet impactful speech focusing on the importance of community and standing against tyranny, a sentiment that resonated with those in attendance. Finch expressed that the ultimate joy of the evening is witnessing the success of these individuals the following day at the Academy Awards, underscoring the camaraderie of the film community.
Overall, the Chanel and Charles Finch dinner served as a noteworthy event celebrating creativity and resilience within the entertainment industry, fostering a communal spirit among those who contribute to the art of cinema.
