In a grand celebration of female achievement and collaboration within the film industry, Chanel and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently hosted their annual Women's Luncheon. This esteemed gathering recognized the recipients of the Gold Fellowship for Women, a program dedicated to nurturing emerging female filmmakers through mentorship and financial support. The event brought together a constellation of influential women from various facets of cinema, all adorned in exquisite Chanel creations, underscoring a powerful message of unity and empowerment.
Celebration of Women in Film at the Academy Luncheon
On a radiant Tuesday afternoon, beneath the shimmering glass dome of the Dolby Family Terrace, an assembly of luminaries convened for the yearly Academy Women’s Luncheon. Hosted by Chanel and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the event honored the newest recipients of the Gold Fellowship for Women. This prestigious fellowship aims to bolster budding female filmmakers with essential guidance and funding. The gathering attracted a distinguished group of women, both in front of and behind the camera, each embodying the spirit of elegance and empowerment in their Chanel attire.
Among the esteemed attendees were notable figures such as Kate Hudson, Zoey Deutch, Tessa Thompson, Claire Foy, Felicity Jones, Riley Keough, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sarah Paulson, Leslie Mann, Maude Apatow, Janicza Bravo, and Ruth E. Carter. Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, celebrated for her iconic work on 'Black Panther,' introduced this year's fellows, Alina Simone and Marlén Viñayo. Carter emphasized the significance of such an event, highlighting its role in acknowledging and uplifting women in the industry. She praised Simone and Viñayo as exceptional journalists and filmmakers, affirming their rightful place within the Academy and expressing her honor in presenting them with the awards.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Academy's global talent development objectives, echoing Gabrielle Chanel's enduring legacy of championing women in the arts. From her pioneering collaborations with cinematographers to the fashion house's ongoing partnerships across various creative domains, Chanel's deep connection to the cinematic world continues to intertwine with the advancement of female voices in film.
Amidst a delectable luncheon featuring lobster salad and apple galette, conversations flowed freely, touching upon diverse projects, personal passions, and career transformations. Kate Hudson shared insights into her venture into music and independent filmmaking, particularly her upcoming film 'Song Sung Blue.' She spoke enthusiastically about participating in discussions for an original, lower-budget movie, hoping it would draw audiences back to theaters during the festive season. Hudson expressed her delight in celebrating mutual achievements with her industry peers.
Across the table, Zoey Deutch reflected on her own professional journey, now starring as Jean Seberg in Richard Linklater’s 'Nouvelle Vague.' Deutch revealed that her transition into producing was born out of necessity, driven by a desire to create the roles she sought rather than passively waiting. She credited her mother, actress and director Lea Thompson, as a constant source of inspiration, observing her mother's empowered entry into directing and understanding filmmaking as a director's art.
Tessa Thompson, elegantly clad in shorts, socks, and Mary Janes, discussed the profound impact of female collaboration. She recounted her experience portraying the lead in Nia DaCosta’s reimagining of 'Hedda Gabler,' underscoring the power women wield when they unite to tell their stories. Thompson highlighted the critical role of institutions like the Sundance Institute, where she first met DaCosta, in nurturing new voices and ensuring their narratives find expression. She reiterated her commitment to attending the luncheon annually due to its vital mission.
Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of 'Twilight,' which launched Kristen Stewart to international stardom, Stewart herself has evolved into a multifaceted artist. Having recently debuted as a director and co-writer for 'The Chronology of Water,' she described her writing process as a necessary, albeit challenging, path toward her filmmaking aspirations. Stewart confessed that writing is a strenuous endeavor for her, yet one that is indispensable for her creative vision.
Kristen Stewart also delivered the keynote address, concluding the afternoon with a speech that was both unconventional and deeply inspiring. She emphasized that the primary duty of a liberated woman is to lead the most fulfilling, unconstrained, and imaginative life possible. Her final, memorable remark called for solidarity among women, proclaiming, “The second responsibility is solidarity with other women. So we should all be ladies who f*cking lunch.”
This event serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality in film. The personal narratives shared by these accomplished women underscore the importance of self-determination, collaboration, and mutual support in overcoming industry challenges. It inspires emerging female artists to pursue their visions boldly, fostering an environment where diverse stories can thrive and resonate with global audiences. The luncheon reinforces that when women empower each other, they not only elevate individual careers but also enrich the entire cinematic landscape.