Newport Beach Film Festival x StyleWeek OC Reels in the Best in Film and Fashion

Newport Beach Film Festival brought the glitz and glam to our seaside paradise in October, as films, fashion and fun were in full force to create one of the best weeks of the year.

Opening Night at Big Newport

Opening night kicked off with Jacob Elordi, star of the new “Frankenstein” feature, receiving the Maverick Award from the NBFF for his work in film and television. During The Hollywood Reporter’s live podcast with Scott Feinberg, Elordi shared his journey from his first production to his most daring role yet, the creature in “Frankenstein” by director Guillermo del Toro. The Australian actor filled the theater, engaging the audience with self-depracating stories and awe at his good fortune in landing the iconic role.

Festival co-founder Greg Schwenk greeted guests at the official opening film of the festival, preceded by “They,” an animated short. Oscar winner Renee Zellweger introduced and presented her six minute film, which she began creating with friends during the pandemic.

Composer Graham Reynolds then graced the audience with stories of working with director Richard Linklater on “Blue Moon,” and the process of writing music for film. “Blue Moon” takes place in 1943, as lyricist Lorenz Hart ( Ethan Hawke) is smitten by Elizabeth (Margaret Qualley), rhapsodizing about her as his former songwriting partner Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott) and Oscar Hammerstein II celebrate their opening night of “Oklahoma.”

Opening Night Gala at Fashion Island

The Opening Night Gala at Fashion Island dazzled with a DJ, dancing fabulous food, giveaways, a photo booth and cocktails, making it a spirited affair.

Centerpiece Film: “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”

Navigating twists and turns of a small town murder, Benoit Blanc returns to solve the case and the question of resurrection for its victim. Starring Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close and Josh Brolin, “Wake Up Dead Man” is sure to keep you guessing. Director/screenwriter/producer Rian Johnson shared that he lived in San Clemente from the age of 12 on during Scott Feinberg’s taping of The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter Podcast. Johnson gave a shout out to his mom, who was in the audience! His family loved watching Agatha Christie movies together, inspiring him to create the feeling of mystery and togetherness in the ”Knives Out” series. Johnson is also the writer and director of “Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi,” the penultimate episode of the 'Star Wars' series.

NBFF x Style Week OC

Film and Fashion united for a week of fabulous events and celebrity appearances. An up close and personal view of the latest looks took place at Neiman Marcus midweek. Ashley Park’s Fashion Keynote conversation with Ryma Chikhoune, editor of Women’s Wear Daily was standing room only for the lucky ones who came to see the star of “Emily in Paris” on Saturday. Dressed in a caramel-colored suit with floor-length drape, Park detailed her varied career – starring in “Mean Girls” on Broadway, then being chosen for “Emily in Paris” before being picked up by Netflix, “It was so joyful filming it in Paris,” she said. “The friendship is real.” She also appeared in “Only Murders in the Building.” Fashion Island captured her attention as she laughed and said, “I’m just looking at all the stores here . . . there’s Cinq a Sept, all the way down to Alo.” She also shared her appreciation for new designers and said, “I have so much respect for fashion.”

Audiences during the weekend were excited to see actor Noah Schnapp from “Stranger Things” and “Podcrushed” podcast co-hosts Penn Badgely, Sophie Ansari and Nava Kavelin in conversation and a Q&A about their book, “Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age.”

Special promotions and shopping parties were activated Saturday afternoon, featuring discounts, ice cream, flower crowns, incentives and more.

Red Carpets and Relationships

“Adult Children”

Stars Betsy Brandt, Thomas Sadowski and Mimi Rogers made the red carpet come alive before the debut of their film “Adult Children.” Brandt was absolutely glowing. Warm and engaging, she’s the type of woman you’d want to be your new bestie. Sadowski, who had just received the Award, was charming and down-to-earth. Rogers, playfully putting bunny ears up behind her co-stars, plays their mom and their affection for each other comes across in person and on screen. All expressed their admiration for writer/director Annika, In the film, Morgan, the youngest of four children, struggles to write her college essay in this coming of age drama/comedy, as her older siblings are grappling with coming to terms with their ages.

“The Neglected”

Intense, fast-paced action will keep you on the edge of your seat as you watch Josh Duhamel as Detective race against time to save his son. Co-star Dylan Sprouse, sophisticated in his gray pinstripe suit, was engaging and playful, completely opposite of the character he portrays. Expressing his admiration for Duhamel, he said he was centerpiece of the film and the reason he chose to be in it. Elena Sanchez, elegant in a sparkling dress is a former stuntwoman who was able to show her talents in the film. After the film, Director David Looper gave insight into shooting the fast-paced film in a matter of weeks. The kind and dedicated cast answered questions, signed autographs and took selfies with audience members. Duhamel, sharply dressed in a dark navy suit, is even more handsome and humble in person than he is onscreen.

“Big Rock Burning”

This documentary directed by David Goldblum and executive producer Mark Hamill profiles the Big Rock community in Malibu that burned during the Palisades fire in January. Fighting the horrific fire themselves while finding out that dialing 911 meant nothing during the crisis, most of the terrified residents evacuated. Director David Goldblum lost his home and his personal belongings and drove through flames to get to safety. When all was lost, the safest place he could find was . . .Newport Beach. Personal narrative and shocking scenes of flames engulfing homes captured the terror. Goldblums’ mission is to help others, as he was not prepared. After the festival, he was headed to the United Nations to speak about climate change and the chaos it creates.

Shorts - Art

Roxanne Messina Captor, an Emmy-nominated writer, director, and producer is the Chairperson of the California Arts Council. Premiering two films, Stanley Clarke: Rhythm and Harmony which is an in-depth look at the life and career of four-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist, composer, and Jazz musician Stanley Clarke and A Dickens of A Christmas, a narrative film about a lawyer haunted by Christmas memories.

Artists

Elizabeth Turk, Director, Screenwriter, Producer of Laurie Brown Artist Portrait artist that did construction landscapes. Mark Hollingsworth, composer for “They Call Me the Tattoo Witch,” a compelling short about a tattoo artist who covers surgery scars with her designs.

Action Sports Shorts

“On the Wave”

Sebastian Steudtner of German, surfed the largest waves ever in Hawaii and Nazare, Portugal. Conquering the 86-foot wave took 2 years to verify for Guinness Book of World Records, which he followed by surfing a 94 foot wave

Closing Night

Sherman Library and Gardens

Entertainment, presentations and heartfelt gratitude closed the film festival in style surrounded by the beauty of Sherman Library and Gardens. Guests nibbled on delicious bites and delightful drinks.

“Frankenstein” at the Lido Theater

Closing out the festival with great beauty and sadness, “Frankensteirn” with Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac and Mia Goth, directed by Guillermo del Toro, captured our hearts and broke them. Grand costumes by Kate Hawley and epic set design immersed us completely in the story.

www.newportbeachfilmfest.com