The Stars Were Out at the Annual Grants Banquet
“As the arts get less and less support, things like this night become even more important”, said Jason Reitman, one of our A-list of presenters, as he made his way into the Beverly Hilton for the 2018 Annual Grants Banquet. “What the HFPA does is very important. It’s really lovely what they do every year.”
He wasn’t alone: presenters, guests, friends, leaders of the grantee nonprofits had a blast in the International Ballroom. Regina King and John David Washington were particularly excited with grants to local institutions. “I had a lot of support to get where I am”, said Regina. “It’s great to give back. As Angelenos, both of us, we are proud to support initiatives in our city.” Rami Malek- soon to be seen as Freddie Mercury in the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody– was a first-time presenter and loving it. “So many future filmmakers have to struggle to get where they want to be, to create their vision”, he said. “I love how the HFPA supports all these diverse projects to make this happen.” Minutes later Malek literally bumped into his Mr. Robot co-star, Mr. Robnit himself, Christian Slater, “It’s you!”, Malek and Slater exclaimed at each other before locking into an embrace. American Horror Story’s permanent star Finn Wittrock waltzed through the red carpet with a smile on his face. “Nah, I’m not presenting, I’m just enjoying it”, he said. “What a great party!”