Proving She’s the Ultimate Champion of Women, Diane von Furstenberg Hosted a Lunch to Celebrate the Female Oscar Nominees

For the last six years, Diane von Furstenberg has been taking the concept of ladies who lunch to another level. “It began when with my Journey of a Dress exhibition at LACMA West, which would then become the home of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures,” said von Furstenberg, dressed in one of her signature colorful prints, black suede booties, and a black jacket. “I ended up on the board of the museum and linked with the Academy, and I realized that no one was celebrating the female nominees, so I took it upon myself to do it, and I’ve been doing it every year since.”

Indeed, the more than 100 guests—all female leaders and nominees from this year’s Academy Awards included co-hosts Ava DuVernay, Dawn Hudson, and Tessa Thompson, as well as Laura Dern, Greta Gerwig, Dianne Warren, Arianne Sutner, Meadow Bay, Amy Pascal, Meryam Joobeur, and Jinko Gotoh.

“This is the only event I’ve gone to for this awards season,” remarked Miranda Kerr. “I’ve just had a baby four months ago, and this is the first time I’ve come out. Diane has been a good friend for quite a while now, and I love her message about supporting and empowering women.”

Guests mingled and were encouraged to meander throughout the property while lunching on an elegant buffet of vegetable salads. Nestled in the canyons of Beverly Hills, von Furstenberg’s hunting lodge–style home designed by Francois Catroux was the perfect setting. Inside, it s styled with long curvilinear Vladimir Kagan sofas, while the outdoors felt like a posh picnic with colorful cushions and rugs scattered about for relaxed conversations.

The afternoon celebrated the female nominees but also gave the opportunity for a bit of relaxed socializing before the chaos of Sunday. “There’s something very meaningful in the act of solidarity today, coming together after voting for the awards closed last night,” said Greta Gerwig, who is also eagerly awaiting Sunday’s show. “I’m excited to see all of my friends again on Sunday, but I’m also really excited for the after-parties. I have to say, it’s really fun to put on that second dress with flats and dance my face off.”

Fellow nominee Laura Dern also appreciated the camaraderie of the day. “I’ve been coming since the beginning, and I love Diane’s generosity and the opening of her home. For the first one, we all just sat on the sofa. That speaks to the growth of female nominees and how we all support each other,” said Dern.

“It’s been an incredible year for women in film, and I was honored to be asked to co-host with her,” said Tessa Thompson. “I just met Diane for the first time today. She came over and gave me a big hug and then immediately re-tied the bow on my [Diane von Furstenberg] jumpsuit. It was the best way to meet her!”