Diane von Furstenberg Gathered Hollywood’s Powerful Women for Her Annual Pre-Oscars Luncheon

Diane von Furstenberg Hosts Empowering Pre-Oscars Luncheon in Los Angeles

In a celebration of women in film, renowned fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg hosted her annual Oscar nominees luncheon ahead of the 97th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on February 26. The event, a longstanding tradition initiated by von Furstenberg back in 2014, was co-hosted by filmmakers Ava DuVernay, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and NBCUniversal chairperson Donna Langley.

The venue’s entrance was adorned with displays featuring all the female nominees and their respective projects, creating an empowering and inclusive atmosphere. Attendees were invited to sign the nominee wall upon arrival, adding a personal touch to the occasion. Among the distinguished guests were notable personalities like Zooey Deschanel, Rachel Zoe, Aurora James, and Coralie Fargeat, the director of “The Substance.”

After a round of cocktails, Diane von Furstenberg took the stage to introduce her co-hosts and deliver a heartfelt welcome address. Emphasizing the importance of mutual recognition and connection among women in the industry, von Furstenberg stated, “Today is not about visibility; it is about recognizing each other and connecting because I know in the past, quite a few people have met each other here and that’s when the magic happens.”

The luncheon also featured inspiring speeches from Ava DuVernay, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and Donna Langley, further amplifying the empowering and supportive ambiance of the event. Singer and actress Dove Cameron graced the gathering with a soulful rendition of “At Last” and treated the audience to a sneak peek of an original song from her upcoming album “Breaks Open.”

In a moment of reflection and advice, Diane von Furstenberg encouraged guests to embrace agility and readiness for the unpredictable nature of the world. She highlighted the significance of being adaptable in the face of challenges and reminded everyone to stay true to themselves. The event concluded with a powerful message from von Furstenberg, urging attendees to embrace self-commitment and kindness, fostering a culture of empowerment and advocacy.

Jane Coxwell curated a delectable menu for the occasion, featuring a selection of exquisite dishes such as roasted salmon with beet puree, smoked duck breast over carrot ginger puree from her brand OKO, and a flavorful shaved Brussels sprout salad with dates. Custom cakes adorned with DVF archival prints by Alana Jones-Mann and vibrant floral arrangements by Yasmine Mei added a touch of elegance to the luncheon, creating a visually stunning experience for all in attendance.

In a landscape where women’s voices and contributions are increasingly valued, events like Diane von Furstenberg’s pre-Oscars luncheon serve as a platform for female empowerment and solidarity within the entertainment industry. By bringing together a diverse group of talented individuals to celebrate their achievements, von Furstenberg continues to champion inclusivity and support for women in film, inspiring a new generation of creatives to embrace their unique voices and talents.