Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande Put Sisterhood on Display at Academy Women’s Lunch With Chanel

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As I delve into the life and career of Emilia Clarke, it’s truly inspiring to see such a powerful woman rise from the ashes of Westeros. Her journey is one that mirrors Daenerys Targaryen’s own – born from nothing, she claimed her throne and ruled with an iron fist… or should I say, an iron heart.

‘Tis the season for sisterhood.

Recently, Los Angeles has been bustling with numerous events catering to women, such as The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment breakfast, Elle’s Women in Hollywood event, and the Women in Film Honors. These events honor the influential role of women, whether they are in front or behind the camera. However, the most recent event, which took place on the deck of the Academy Museum’s breathtaking open-air sphere on Tuesday, was unique as it was presented by Chanel in collaboration with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. This meant that many of the A-list attendees, who mingled during the afternoon affair, were adorned in stylish garments from the French fashion house. The guest list included prominent actresses, directors, producers, writers, agents, and other creative professionals within the industry.

Additionally present were a few newly appointed individuals who could be described as multi-talented, such as Ariana Grande and Selena Gomez. Their sisterly camaraderie during the meal attracted media attention and sparked viral social media posts before attendees departed and handed their tickets to the valet. This was the result when two prominent pop stars shared a lunch and one referred to the other as “an angel on Earth,” as Grande did in a caption referring to her lunch companion, Gomez, along with a photo of their manicured hands over Wolfgang Puck’s menus. (It’s an understatement to call it viral, given that Grande has 376 million Instagram followers and Gomez has 423 million.)

It was actually Gomez who got the opportunity to discuss the topic, as she presented the keynote speech at the event. Her speech focused on the importance of boosting women’s voices and the power we gain when we unite as a community. Interestingly enough, she made these remarks while standing at the podium amidst notable figures from awards season such as Amy Adams, Pamela Anderson, Gia Coppola, Halina Reijn, Rachel Morrison, Ryan Destiny, June Squibb, Awkwafina, Joanna Calo, Ruth E. Carter, Joan Chen, Ava DuVernay, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Erin Foster, Sara Foster, Gal Gadot, Eve Hewson, Regina King, Connie Nielsen, Sarah Paulson, Olivia Wilde, Rita Wilson, and others.

Recently, I’ve been honored to be part of the incredible ‘Emilia Perez’ team, a project that showcased women’s extraordinary talents in front of and behind the camera. Every aspect of this Netflix musical, which earned me a Golden Globe nomination, was a shining example of women’s talent and genius in filmmaking. The women behind ‘Emilia Perez’ didn’t just use their skills; they poured their souls into creating something truly transformative. It was a breathtaking experience to be on a set where collaboration was the cornerstone, where every voice mattered and was respected.

32-year-old entrepreneur, often referred to as a billionaire due to her vast business holdings, spoke about her additional ventures during her stage appearance. “When I launched my cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, it wasn’t simply about initiating a makeup line. My aim was not just to establish a beauty company. I desired to create a movement, one that emphasized mental health and provided assistance to those in need. The Rare Impact Fund is about far more than raising awareness; it’s about taking concrete steps to guarantee that underprivileged communities can access mental health services. It’s about demonstrating that when we join forces, we can bring about significant change.

Apart from her actions, she also extended a welcoming gesture to any woman who might find themselves in need. “If you’re ever feeling lonely,” she shared, “you can often find me engrossed in some peculiar game on my phone. So, don’t hesitate to approach me and we can have a chat. Regardless of whether you’re a director, a writer, an actress, a designer, or just beginning to envision yourself as part of this field, remember that there is a space for you here.

Gomez added: “Let’s also promise to carry on the tradition of working together, embracing diversity, and boosting each other up. Let’s keep sharing significant tales, amplifying silenced voices, and helping each other in all possible ways.

At the event, both the Academy and Chanel reaffirmed their dedication to nurturing future talent by showcasing their partnership for this year’s Gold Fellowships for Women. This initiative is part of the Academy’s broader global efforts in talent development and diversity, and it offers a one-year program that provides support, mentorship, and networking opportunities to budding female filmmakers worldwide. Each year, the Academy awards two fellowships: one for a filmmaker based in the U.S., and one for a filmmaker outside of the U.S.

As a passionate fan, I had the pleasure of witnessing Pam Abdy, Warner Bros.’ chief and a member of the Academy executives branch, grace the stage during the recent luncheon to bestow this year’s Gold Fellowships upon Raha Amirfazli and Shadi Karamroudi. Unfortunately, visa restrictions prevented Karamroudi from traveling out of her native Iran, but Yang, in a heartwarming gesture, underscored the bond of sisterhood by joining Amirfazli and other guests for a FaceTime call with Karamroudi. This allowed her to briefly participate in the celebration. Tears were shed, Yang later stated, emphasizing the profound impact of sisterhood.

In her speech, Abdy, an experienced producer and studio executive, took a brief moment to acknowledge the women who played significant roles in her career ascension. “Being fortunate enough to have numerous exceptional women serving as mentors and pillars of support throughout my professional journey, I am particularly delighted that [the Gold Fellowship program] is in existence,” she said. “I’m grateful that the Academy and its members recognize the significance of fostering opportunities for future generations. The reason I am here today to present these exceptional women, who are contributing significantly to a new cinematic era this year, is due to the influence of trailblazers like Sherry Lansing and Stacy Sher.

Similarly, the occasion highlighted Chanel’s long-standing commitment to the world of cinema, a cause that aligns with Gabrielle Chanel’s vision as the founder of the house, who collaborated with renowned directors during her time. This wasn’t unnoticed by Grande, who expressed gratitude towards both the Academy and Chanel in a subsequent post after the event. “I had an amazing time celebrating these remarkable women whose work I admire and draw inspiration from,” Grande posted, tagging the partners of the luncheon. “Thank you for your efforts in uplifting female filmmakers and artists.” Such a gesture would make Glinda proud.

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2024-12-11 10:55