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Chanel's Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner: A Night of Tributes, Art, and Basketball Excitement
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Chanel's Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner: A Night of Tributes, Art, and Basketball Excitement

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Jun 09, 2026
The 19th annual Chanel Tribeca Festival artists dinner in New York was a vibrant convergence of film, fashion, and an unexpected undercurrent of sports fervor. This exclusive event, marking the Tribeca Festival's 25th anniversary, brought together a constellation of stars and artists to celebrate cinematic achievements and artistic expression, all while many attendees secretly, or not so secretly, tracked a pivotal NBA Finals game.

Where Glamour Meets the Game: Celebrating Art and Legacy

A Star-Studded Evening Hosted by Chanel

Chanel, a long-standing patron of the arts and cinema, orchestrated its 19th annual artists' dinner in the heart of New York. The event served as a glittering backdrop for the Tribeca Festival's milestone 25th anniversary, drawing a fashionable crowd adorned in the luxury brand's designs. Amidst the elegance, an unspoken tension filled the air for many of the guests, as the city's beloved Knicks battled the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals across town.

Robert De Niro's Heartfelt Homage to Jane Rosenthal

A highlight of the evening was a surprise tribute from legendary actor Robert De Niro to his long-time collaborator and Tribeca Festival co-founder, Jane Rosenthal. De Niro affectionately lauded Rosenthal as a "perfect leader" and a rare visionary, emphasizing her indispensable role in the festival's enduring success. He shared an anecdote, stating that while he might have managed the first festival alone, without Rosenthal's leadership, there wouldn't have been a second, let alone a 25th, edition. He also spoke of their remarkably harmonious partnership, likening Rosenthal to a tough business leader with the soul of an artist.

The Unforgettable Bond: A Partnership Built on Vision

De Niro's tribute underscored the profound and unique working relationship he shares with Rosenthal. He highlighted their "strikingly non-confrontational relationship," characterized by mutual respect and a shared understanding of artistic endeavors. Rosenthal's ability to transform visions into reality and her deep appreciation for artists were central to De Niro's praise, cementing her status as a patron of the arts.

Guest Reactions: From Cheers to Courtside Updates

The sentiment of admiration for Rosenthal was echoed in video messages from a host of celebrity friends, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Bradley Cooper, Kathryn Bigelow, Spike Lee, Lesli Linka Glatter, and Darren Aronofsky. Notably, Spike Lee's absence was attributed to his unwavering dedication to the Knicks, as he was undoubtedly engrossed in the NBA Finals game. The basketball fever was palpable at the dinner, with attendees like Molly Gordon sporting Knicks jackets and others glued to their phones for live score updates, culminating in a 115-111 victory for the Spurs.

Bridging Worlds: The Fusion of Art and Cinema

For over two decades, the Tribeca Festival and Chanel have cultivated a significant partnership, aiming to unite the realms of fine art and filmmaking. This collaboration is actualized through presenting original works by acclaimed artists to the festival's award-winning filmmakers. This year's program, meticulously curated by Zoe Lukov, showcased an impressive roster of artists, including Bony Ramirez, Brendan Fernandes, Carrie Mae Weems, Hank Willis Thomas, Jason Bard Yarmosky, Joshua Woods, Kiki Smith, Soull and Dynasty Ogun, Tavares Strachan, and Tosh Basco.

A Glimpse Into the Exclusive Guest List

The event was graced by an array of notable personalities from the entertainment and fashion industries. Among the distinguished guests were Whitney Peak, Olivia Munn, Camila Morrone, Cole Bennett, Arianna Huffington, A.V. Rockwell, Craig McDean, Crystal McCrary McGuire, Janicza Bravo, Jeff Koons, Kara Young, Karen Elson, Lux Pascal, Natalie Massenet, Scott Galloway, Vanessa Traina, Charles de Viel Castel, and Paloma Elsesser, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

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