Celebrities Arrive At The Hollywood Foreign Press Association Hosts Annual Grants Banquet
Aug. 15 2015, Published 4:22 p.m. ET
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) celebrated its annual Grants Banquet at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. During the star-studded event, the organization presented more than $2 million in funds to non-profit entertainment related organizations, foundations and scholarship programs.
The banquet commenced with a breathtaking surprise performance by Nick Jonas, singing a stripped down version of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” Following the ballad, HFPA President Lorenzo Soria welcomed friends and guests by reminding them of the impactful contributions the organization has made through the years.
"We are proud to say we have made a difference in many lives,” said Soria. “The Golden Globes may be the most high-profile of the HFPA’s activities, but our support for cultural non-profits has engaged the passionate commitment of every one of our members.”
Elizabeth Banks arrives at Hollywood Foreign Press Association Hosts Annual Grants Banquet at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on August 13, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.
Halle Berry arrives at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Hosts Annual Grants Banquet at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on August 13, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.
Joe Manganiello arrives at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Hosts Annual Grants Banquetat the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on August 13, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.
Actresses Dakota Johnson and Brie Larson attend HFPA Annual Grants Banquet at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on August 13, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.
Continuing the comedic atmosphere of the evening, Sarah Silverman and John Krasinski mimed their grants presentation in honor of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival.
Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro missed their cue to approach the stage as they were being introduced by Jane Fonda. Not missing a beat, Fonda entertained the crowd by explaining, “Benicio looks unreliable, but Emily Blunt looks like she’d be on time. If she can stand up to Meryl Streep, she can make it to the podium when she is announced.” Referring to Blunt’s Into The Woods character.
Jamie Lee Curtis offered a charming first impression to the banquet, joking that the HFPA was like her slightly older sibling. She continued entertaining the audience by attempting to reach for a water bottle from the podium that Jake Gyllenhaal eventually retrieved for her.
Lady Gaga added a personal touch when accepting grants to benefit performing arts studios stating. “I went to a lot of performing arts studios growing up, so I’m excited," she exclaimed. She then jokingly added, "They’re WEIRD places.”
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Jon Hamm arrives at Hollywood Foreign Press Association Hosts Annual Grants Banquet at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on August 13, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.
Jamie Lee Curtis and Nick Jonas at the 2015 Hollywood Foreign Press Association presents annual Grants Dinner Thursday night from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The HFPA will present more than $2 million in donations to non-profit entertainment-related organizations and scholarship programs.
