At hand to deliver the checks are Golden Globe winners Christian Slater, Gina Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, Joanne Froggatt, Mel Gibson, Warren Beatty and Golden Globe nominees Emma Stone, Justin Timberlake will present grants, together with stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, Nate Parker, Renée Zellweger, Simon Helberg and Vince Vaughn.

Stars and guests are being treated to a cocktail of champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres like salmon poke cones and beef wellington en croute. “It’s so important to support schools”, Simon Helberg told us. “I went to NYU and it changed my life. I’m accepting on their behalf – not everyone can afford it. So this is important.”

Key industry figures are also making their way to the Wintergarden. Among them, commix icon Stan Lee and Marvel Multiverse leader Kevin Feige, Disney head Alan Horn, Lionsgate’s Patrick Wachsberger, Rob Friedman and Kevin Beggs, Illumination’s Chris Melendandri, Universal’s Donna Langley and producer Graham King.

See more on the HFPA Grants Banquet.