At an intimate night of storytelling and music, Lady Gaga made an unannounced appearance to perform “You and I” on piano during the “Backstage at the Geffen” event on Sunday night.
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” writer/director J.J. Abrams chatted with Samuel L. Jackson, who told the crowd that he got in to acting to chase a girl. She is Mrs. Samuel L. Jackson today.
George Lucas and Mellody Hobson (left and center) were two of the honorees, chosen by Geffen Playhouse boardmember Pamela Robinson (right).
Before the show, an inner circle had a pre-dinner across Le Conte Ave. 100-year-old Louis XII and Piper-Heidsieck flowed.
Yves de Launay with Geffen founding trustee and legendary music man, Quincy Jones.
Fox films chief Jim Gianopulos is more used to people doing the over-the-shoulder to him on the dinner circuit.
Lee England Jr., who also played at Mellody and George Lucas’ wedding, covered “All of Me.”
It was Jeffrey Katzenberg’s second hosting gig of the day in Westwood, after the “HOME” premiere around the corner.
Katzenberg with the studio head who will release the new “Star Wars” on December 18, Alan Horn.
Sir Elton John gets hands-on with Gianopulos.
Gil Cates Jr., Pamela Robinson, Elton, Martha Henderson, David Furnish, and Randall Arney arrive on Sunday night.
Katzenberg toasted the night by calling the Geffen “one of the true treasures of our city because of another true treasure, David Geffen.”
David Miller and Geffen Chief Development Officer Regina Miller, who had reason to smile on the $1.5 million-raising night.
The four honorees that drew tickets and donations: George Lucas, Mellody Hobson, Elton John and David Furnish.
