MPTF’s Star-Studded ‘Night Before’ Benefit Raises $4.3M

The Motion Picture & Television Fund raised more than $4.3 million at its 22nd annual star-studded benefit on Saturday night.

The exclusive event was co-chaired by Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathé, America Ferrera and Ryan Piers-Williams, Jodie Foster and Paul Giamatti.

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Funds raised from the event will be used to support industry members and their families who benefit from MPTF’s charitable programs and services, such as financial assistance, crisis counseling, caregiving support and residency on the Wasserman Campus in Woodland Hills, which now serves as “home” to many television and film veterans. During the recent work stoppages, MPTF received over 13,000 calls for aid and provided more than $8 million in charitable financial assistance.

“MPTF and I have such a rich, wonderful history together of taking care of our own,” said Foster. “I’m so proud to support this incredible organization and help raise crucial funds to support our industry family when they need it most.”

Added Ferrera: “I’m proud to be part of a benefit that brings our community together while helping sustain the important mission of MPTF.”

Foster and Ferrera are both nominated for best supporting actress at this year’s Oscars, for their roles in Nyad and Barbie, respectively. Brown is nominated for best supporting actor for American Fiction, while Giamatti is up for best actor for The Holdovers.

“I’ve been involved with MPTF for many years and am honored to chair the Night Before with my peers,” Brown said. “This is not only a great way for us to celebrate together at the end of awards season and everyone’s great accomplishments but to support a cause like MPTF that helps many generations within our industry.”

The host committee consisted of Patricia Arquette, Jon Batiste and Suleika Jaouad, Matt Bomer and Simon Halls, Danielle Brooks, Nicolas and Riko Cage, Willem Dafoe and Giada Colagrande, Colman and Raul Domingo, Colin Farrell, Brendan Fraser, Barry Keoghan, Simu Liu, Eva Longoria, Glen Powell, Echo and Ke Huy Quan, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Tracee Ellis Ross, Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, and Jeffrey Wright. A slew of other Oscar nominees, presenters and power players attended the benefit.

This year’s presenting sponsors were City National Bank, Delta Air Lines, L’Oreal USA, Penske Media Corporation (owner of The Hollywood Reporter) and UCLA Health with support from Diamond Sponsors, Dolby, Fox and IATSE.

“Once again, The Night Before showed that our industry and sponsors know how to celebrate the work of our creative talent, have a great time and support a critically important organization,” MPTF CEO Bob Beitcher said. “MPTF continues to provide charitable financial assistance to a workforce devastated by the recent work stoppages and sustain a retirement community for those whose broad shoulders we stand on today. The support of our many Night Before sponsors, donors and guests will make a great impact on their lives.”

Among the celebrities who attended this year’s event were Abigail Spencer, Anita Hill, Beatrice Grannò, Billy Eichner, Cara Jade Myers, Dan Bucatinsky, David Spade, Diane Warren, Emilia Jones, Erika Alexander, Fortune Feimster, Hari Nef, Helen Hunt, Jameela Jamil, Jane Seymour, Janelle James, January Jones, Jason Ritter, Jennifer Coolidge, Jeremy Pope, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jimmy Jam, Joe Keery, John Magaro, John Ortiz, Judd Hirsch, Juno Temple, Kaia Gerber, Kathryn Newton, Keegan-Michael Key, Kristin Davis, Lily Rabe, Marlee Matlin, Melanie Lynskey, Michelle Rodriguez, Mira Sorvino, Nathalie Emmanuel, Nicholas Galitzine, Nico Santos, Paris Jackson, Patina Miller, Paula Abdul, Quinta Brunson, Ray Romano, Regé-Jean Page, Regina Hall, Sarah Hyland, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tatanka Means, Vanessa Bayer, Yvette Nicole Brown and Zooey Deschanel.

Guests enjoyed a “relaxed town square atmosphere” by Studio Komorebi at the Fox studio lot with specialty food provided by Carmelized Productions by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo.

Read more about this weekend‘s A-list Oscar parties.

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