Last night we stopped by IWC Schaffhausen’s 3rd annual “For the Love of Cinema” Gala, which kicks off Tribeca Film Festival. The gala was held at Spring Studios and hosted Joel McHale, known for his hit show The Soup on E! and Community. IWC CEO Georges Kern cohosted the evening with Tribeca Film Festival founders Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro, and Craig Hatkoff.
Before the dinner, guests mingled while enjoying a fabulous cocktail reception. Christoph Waltz and Robert De Niro were discussing upcoming projects saying, “It’s time we get something in the books!” and work together. I cannot wait to see that happen! I also spotted the beautiful Dakota Fanning who was gushing about her new film Franny, which premieres at Tribeca Film Festival.
Once dinner was underway, attendees were treated to the presentation of the IWC Filmmaker Award, which went to this year’s honoree, Deb Shoval. Her film project “AWOL” left a profound impression on jury members Georges Kern, Ryan Harrington, Paula Weinstein, and last year’s award winner, Jay Dockendorf. It tells the story of Joey, 18, who falls in love with Rayna, 27, a married mother of two. Threatened by Rayna’s husband and fired from her job at the local dairy, Joey must make some choices about her future in a postindustrial area with little to offer, and she reluctantly joins the Army. Days before deployment to Afghanistan and still wildly in love, Joey returns home to rural Pennsylvania and plans to go AWOL with Rayna and her kids. Christoph Waltz presented the award noting it took him almost 120 films to win an Oscar. Definitely a funny moment.
To close out the gala, guests were treated to an exclusive performance by famed singer Sarah McLachlan who serenaded the crowd with her amazing vocals, leading to a standing ovation from fans. DJ Mick later got on the 1s and 2s, spinning some awesome music during the after party. Everyone danced the night away while sipping on some bubbly, Moet to be exact.
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