At W magazine’s party, Golden Globes contenders turn out to toast the year’s best performances

Nicole Kidman at W Magazine's party celebrating its Best Performances Portfolio on Friday night at Chateau Marmont.

By Ellen Olivier

Jan. 5, 2019 12:40 PM PT

At W’s party Friday to celebrate the Golden Globes and the launch of the magazine’s best performances portfolio insert, editor in chief Stefano Tonchi called Nicole Kidman “one of our great, great collaborators,” given her appearance on so many covers over the years, including one of the seven for the upcoming issue.

A Golden Globe nominee for “Destroyer,” in which Kidman is barely recognizable, the actress chatted with fellow guests with a sense of glamour that’s a far cry from her look in the haunting film.

“I’m a mess,” Kidman said with a laugh, referring to the guilt-ridden, disturbed police officer she plays. “I’m still carrying the weight on my back.”

Emma Stone with W editor in chief Stefano Tonchi.

The event

Tonchi and editor at large Lynn Hirschberg hosted the celebration at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, where A-list guests got their first glimpse of the Best Performances portfolio.

The insert in W magazine features actors chosen for their exceptional performances in 2018 films.

Amy Adams at W Magazine's Best Performances Portfolio party.

The scene

Golden Globes contender Amy Adams, nominated for the film “Vice” and the HBO limited series “Sharp Objects,” navigated the narrow hallway to the suite overlooking Sunset Boulevard, passing by a phalanx of servers proffering Perrier Jouet in Belle Epoque Champagne flutes.

To those offering good wishes at the upcoming awards show, Adams said, “It feels like we’ve already won. We’ve had such a great response.”

Willem Dafoe (“At Eternity’s Gate”), Henry Winkler (“Barry”) and other nominees also accepted congratulations as they joined the steady stream of arriving stars. Winkler took time to introduce his son, director Max Winkler (“Flower”).

A burst of flashbulbs heralded the arrival of Dree Hemingway, a standout as she swept into the room, her hair in a dramatic buzz cut. The actress and model explained that she sheared her tresses for her role in the upcoming “Run With the Hunted,” adding, “It’s so easy that I decided to keep it this way.”

Kathryn Hahn, left, Lynn Hirschberg, Connie Britton and Patricia Clarkson at the W party.

The crowd

Partygoers featured in the portfolio included Kidman, Adams, Dafoe, Michael B. Jordan for “Black Panther,” Kathryn Hahn for “Private Life,” Kiki Layne for “If Beale Street Could Talk,” Elsie Fisher for “Eighth Grade,” Yalitza Aparicio and Marina de Tavira for “Roma,” Amandla Stenberg for “The Hate U Give,” Troye Sivan for “Boy Erased,” Joanna Kulig for “Cold War,” Steven Yeun for “Burning,” Thomasin McKenzie for “Leave No Trace,” and Lakeith Stanfield for “Sorry to Bother You.”

Also at the gathering: Emma Stone, Connie Britton, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kate Beckinsale, Patricia Clarkson, Rumer Willis, Sarah Hyland, Jon Voight, Jimmi Simpson and Craig DiFrancia.

"Sorry to Bother You" actor Lakeith Stanfield, left, and "Burning" actor Steven Yeun.

The quotes

How to explain the impressive turnout of stars?

“They trust us,” Tonchi said. “That’s why they do these kinds of covers and that’s why they like to be here for us. … This party is not about the paparazzi. It’s not about the red carpet. It’s not about the dresses. It’s about who they are and their performances. … In this time when so much is happening, trust is the most important value.”

Said Hirschberg, “This is a real party. It’s like the parties I read about as a girl.”

Ellen Olivier is the founder of Society News LA.

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