Haute Living & David O. Russell Celebrate the Oscars

Photo Credit: Araya Diaz/Getty Images for Haute Living

On Tuesday evening, Haute Living kicked off Oscars week by throwing a soiree in honor of filmmaker David O. Russell and the Ghetto Film School in Beverly Hills.

The event, which was presented by Dr. Gabriel Chiu and Christine Chiu, celebrated the Joy director’s commitment to Ghetto Film School, an organization that was founded to educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great American storytellers.

Photo Credit: Araya Diaz/Getty Images for Haute Living

O. Russell has been an avid supporter of the non-profit organization, and was celebrated by Haute Living specifically because of his commitment to creating the next generation of filmmakers.

A slew of the director’s VIP pals were in attendance at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, including Jamie Foxx, Tyrese Gibson, Nick Jonas, Diane Ladd, Colleen Camp, Hilary Shor, Marc Forster, Barbara Broccoli, Peggy Siegal, Jacqui Getty, Mary Kay Place, Sheila Jaffe, Rami Malek, Josh Lieberman, Ken Sunshine and Scott Lambert. Additional guests included Pras, Irena and Mike Medavoy, Laura Schreffler, Frank Morales, Julia Sorkin and Kelly Styne. Representing Ghetto Film School were its LA Executive Director Stosh Mintek, head instructor Alvy Johnson and former student Chris Butler. 

Photo Credit: Araya Diaz/Getty Images for Haute Living

Haute Living publisher Seth Semilof welcomed O. Russell, who spoke about his commitment to the organization and why he’s a supporter, who in turn welcomed Mintek to speak about the New York non-profit’s presence in LA. Chris Butler then spoke personally about his experience. A surprise speaker was Tyrese, who spoke about growing up in South Central and how GFS benefits those who grow up, like he did, in urban areas. The room collectively then raised a glass of Perrier-Jouet champagne to O. Russell and GFS.

After the speeches, guests dined on starters such as seared ahi tuna, crab-stuffed mushrooms, salad,  entrees including New York Strip, Scottish salmon and petite filet as well as Mastro’s signature warm butter cake and chocolate sin cake.

Just before dessert, Graham USA’s Managing Director Samir Shah stood to present O. Russell with a timepiece on behalf of GFS. The gift was the Graham Chronofighter Oversize Target, which features a black carbon fast-action start/stop trigger and steel reset pusher with black rubber “Clous de Paris” high grip pattern, a domed sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating on both faces and a green tinted smoked dial. The watch will be donated to Ghetto Film School. 

Photo Credit: Araya Diaz/Getty Images for Haute Living