Chanel Celebrated Emerging Women Filmmakers With a High Powered Luncheon at The Academy Museum

An unseasonably warm day provided the backdrop for the 2022 Academy Gold Fellowship for Women presentation in partnership with Chanel at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Wednesday. Part of the Academy’s global talent development and inclusion initiative, this year’s recipients were filmmakers Karishma Dube and Oleksandra Kostina.

A lineup of female film powerhouses was in attendance to celebrate both the recipients and women’s impact on global cinema, including Gina Prince-Bythewood, Janicza Bravo, Claire Foy, Leslie Mann, Marlee Matlin, Ruth E. Carter, and Tessa Thompson, who showcased the other star guest of the afternoon– the iconic Chanel quilted bag—carrying one in black and in one white.

Chanel has been intrinsically linked to the world of film since its inception as house founder and visionary Gabrielle Chanel worked with the leading filmmakers of her time, drawing inspiration from and supporting her fellow creative peers. Her legacy of fostering creativity lives on through Chanel’s dedication to film, which is expressed through programs such as the Academy Gold Fellowship for Women and the brand’s other long-standing film partnerships.

“Everything my career was built on was supported by non-profit organizations and brands,” Zhao told Vogue as she walked the white carpet. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today so it’s great to see this partnership in action and catch up with friends. Female friendship is so difficult to maintain in our industry, but it’s extremely crucial for our wellbeing.”