41st Chaplin Award Gala Honoring Hollywood Legend Rob Reiner

Photo credit: Richard Lurie

The 41^st Chaplin Award Gala at Lincoln Center was a star studded affair of cinematic proportions. This year legendary director, producer and actor Rob Reiner was honored with the coveted Chaplin Award.

Cinema legend, and 1998 Chaplin Award recipient, Martin Scorsese presented the award to Rob. A roster of film legends was also in attendance to honor Rob, including Billy Crystal, Michael Douglas, Michael McKean, Robin Wright, James Caan and Meg Ryan.

The 41^st Chaplin Awards paid tribute to Rob’s extensive range of work from the pure comedy of This Is Spinal Tap and The Princess Bride to the intense drama of Stand by Me, the romantic comedy of When Harry Met Sally…, as well as his substantial on-screen work highlighted with the role of Michael “Meathead Stivic in the landmark television series All in Family.

In addition to his film career, Rob was also honored for his contribution to political causes like the California Children & Families Commission and most recently the American Foundation for Equal Rights.

The Film Society’s Annual Gala began in 1972 and honored Charles Chaplin as its first recipient. Since then, the award has been renamed for Chaplin, and has honored many of the film industry’s most notable talents including: Barbra Streisand, Catherine Deneuve, Michael Douglas, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange, Dustin Hoffman, Michael Caine, Susan Sarandon, Jane Fonda, Al Pacino, Martin Scorsese, Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Shirley MacLaine, Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davis, Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Hitchcock, Charles Chaplin and many more.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center was founded in 1969 to celebrate American and international cinema, to recognize and support new filmmakers, and to enhance awareness, accessibility and understanding of the art among a broad and diverse film going audience.

Photo credit: Richard Lurie

I couldn’t have imagined a more magical start to my gala season than the 41^stChaplin Awards at Lincoln Center. In honor of the evening I wore a sparkling THEIA Couture gown.

When I first saw it the first thought that came to my mind was "this is definitely something Marilyn Monroe would wear!" The gown was certainly every inch Old Hollywood from its intricate beaded jewels to the front va-va-voom slit.

While walking up the Lincoln Center courtyard I spotted my friends from Edward Roth who were also en route to the gala. Dressed in their striking art meets high fashion designs the group captivated everyone’s attention whereever they went.

I was especially thrilled to see my longtime friend and Creative Director of Edward Roth, Nairi Barseh.

Nairi was dressed in Edward Roth’s ‘Break the Surface' dress with a killer real alligator spine on the back.

Photo credit: Richard Lurie

Before entering the awards Rob Reiner snapped a few pictures with fans who were eagerly awaiting the celebrity arrivals outside Lincoln Center.

The awards ceremony began promptly at 7pm as guests took their seats and the lights dimmed to reveal a large movie screen. I imagined this is what the Oscars must feel like! (Covering the Oscars is definitely on my list of dream work.)

It was such an indescribable feeling to be in the same room as so many talented Hollywood legends. I couldn't help feel a sense of my own worth and how much I want to accomplish in the fashion world.

One of the most memorable Rob Reiner tributes came from Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. “For those of you who have waited 25 years for a sequel, this is it!” said Billy Crystal.

The duo reminisced of what it was like to film the notorious Katz’ Deli scene from Rob Reiner’s 1989 hit When Harry Met Sally. Meg mentioned how after the first take Rob switched places with Meg alongside Billy Crystal to show her what he was looking for in the notorious orgasm scene.

Billy Crystal: “So Rob proceeds to have an orgasm. He’s pounding and pounding on the table. Those little spice balls on pickles, they’re

flying everywhere. I’m thinking, ‘I pity the woman who has to go through this.’”

Meg Ryan: “It was a hard act to follow.”

Billy Crystal: “I was getting a little excited actually. So Rob takes me aside and goes, ‘Buddy, I shouldn’t have done that. I just had an orgasm in front of my mother."

Photo credit: Richard Lurie

At the awards I met Entertainment Lawyer Maryse and her husband Howard. Maryse was the epitome of glamour with her Adrianna Papell dress, Sergio Rossi heels and a Dolce Bag. The red gloves were the perfect touch to complete the look!

Photo credit: Richard Lurie

Next, I saw my friend Rolise Rachel from Social Life magazine. Rolise wore an Adrianna Papell gown which she paired with a Grecian like headpiece.

It was such a pleasure to catch up with Rolise and have a chance to share these unforgettable memories.

Photo credit: Richard Lurie

After the awards ceremony guests made their way to the candlelight dinner portion of the gala.

My friend and super talented photographer Richard Lurie came with me to shoot the evening’s memorable moments.

Photo credit: Richard Lurie

After the gala Richard and I went to take a few more pictures by the iconic Lincoln Center fountain. That evening the fountain was illuminated with blue lights which provided the most picturesque background.

Thanks again Richard for these brilliant photos that captured every sparkle of our Hollywood night.

Check out more of his work on his fan page: Kitsune Media.