Charlotte Gainsbourg's Big Night at the Plaza Hotel

On Monday, November 4 guests of the Plaza Hotel could be forgiven for forgetting they were in New York City. After all, the hotel was home to the French Institute Alliançe Francaise’s annual Trophée des Arts Gala, this year honoring actress and musician Charlotte Gainsbourg and businesswoman Dominique Senequier both of whom have made important contributions to French-American relations.

The event was emceed by CNBC correspondent Contessa Brewer—who promised not to practice her French on the crowd—and guests included Charles S. Cohen and Clo Cohen, Berry and Jean-Marie Eveillard, Nicole Salmasi, Cecile Andrau, Benjamin Beaufils, Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière, Charlotte Sarkozy, and more.

At the end of the evening, which raises money for FIAF’s educational and cultural programming, the organization’s president, Marie-Monique Steckel, said, ““For the first time in FIAF’s history, we are honoring two women: Charlotte Gainsbourg and Dominique Senequier. Don’t you think it’s about time to celebrate strong and talented women? We do.”