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NBCUniversal showcased an impressive lineup at this year’s Emmy kick-off luncheon, held in the stylish setting of SLS Hotel’s Garden Room and Terrace in Beverly Hills.
Renée Zellweger, Tina Fey, Natasha Lyonne, and Amanda Seyfried were among the celebrities present, bringing star power to the annual event designed to spotlight both new and returning shows within the NBCU portfolio. The occasion featured Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson as the DJ, setting a lively mood.
Zellweger expressed her gratitude for the enthusiastic reception of her film Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, sharing with Gold Derby, “People have been so supportive. Engaging with fans and hearing their personal connections to the film is truly rewarding. It’s a wonderful feeling to share a passion for her universe with strangers.” The actress, who won Oscars for Cold Mountain and Judy, mentioned her recent binge of Yellowstone, jokingly noting, “I think I’m the last person in America to watch it.” She relished the current golden age of television, saying, “There are so many great shows right now; I have quite a list to get through!” Zellweger is also looking forward to joining the cast of Season 5 of Only Murders in the Building, alongside newcomers like Christoph Waltz and Keegan-Michael Key.
Meanwhile, Lyonne was eager to introduce her “very nervous” showrunner for Poker Face, Rian Johnson, to Fey, who was in attendance to discuss her Universal Television series The Four Seasons. Lyonne remarked, “I can’t wait to capture that moment in a photo; it could be a fantastic blend of creativity.” Fey, enthusiastic about reuniting with Ted Danson and Michael Schur, described her excitement, saying, “I miss Ted and want to give him a hug!” She humorously added that she was also ready for a “street fight” with Schur, implying a fun rivalry as they promote their respective projects.
Seyfried shared her feelings of belonging at the event, stating, “I’ve met so many amazing people here today. Coming to these events used to feel daunting, but now it feels like home.” She reminisced about her work with Lucia Aniello, who directed her in a Walmart commercial featuring Lindsay Lohan and Lacey Chabert, underscoring her growth in the industry.
George Lopez, who stars in Lopez vs. Lopez, voiced his surprise at missing the show The Other Two, saying he’s “obsessed” with it. He pointed out that shows like The Other Two and Hacks manage to navigate the sometimes uncomfortable realm of Hollywood humor while maintaining a relatable and entertaining vibe.
Will Packer, producer of Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, expressed hope that Emmy voters will recognize the authenticity of his show, declaring, “It’s a genuine, real story that resonates.” He also shared his aspirations for future awards show hosting, stating, “My top choice would definitely be Kevin Hart.”
Producers Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky of Hacks reflected on the impressive performances of Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder during the Season 4 premiere. They highlighted a poignant moment in the finale where the characters confront their emotional ties, adding, “Einbinder has truly blossomed this season. It’s been incredible to watch her journey.” Notably, they mentioned Cher as a dream guest star for the upcoming season, with an enthusiastic call: “Come home, baby!”
Reflecting on his experiences with Saturday Night Live, Questlove recalled the challenges of preparing for the show’s 50th anniversary celebration, where he had to learn 43 songs in just two weeks. He noted a missed A Tribe Called Quest reunion, indicating the challenges of coordinating music legends. Additionally, he spoke about his role in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, proudly mentioning the inclusion of iconic artists like Kiss and Chubby Checker on the ballot.
Rob Mariano, from The Traitors and Survivor, discussed his desire to see his friendly rival Dylan Efron join Survivor 50, emphasizing Efron’s social and physical strengths. Known as “Boston” Rob for his iconic Red Sox hat, he humorously acknowledged he was advised against wearing it to the luncheon, noting, “This was a fancy event!”
The guest list for the NBCU Emmy kick-off luncheon included a who’s who of the television industry: Beatrice Springborn, Will Forte, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Ted Danson, and many others, each contributing to the vibrant atmosphere celebrating television’s finest talent.
Click on the image below to view a complete image of the star-studded event.
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www.goldderby.com