Darren Aronofsky, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Irons, and More Attend BAM’s Gala
Darren Aronofsky, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Irons and More Attend BAM's Gala
For those gala-circuit regulars who attended last night’s Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Gala, the evening was certain to stand out. Firstly, the venue: Brooklyn’s Cruise Terminal in Red Hook, where banquet tables and a makeshift stage hosted the festivities. Secondly, the centerpieces: alongside more “elevated” curiosities like artichokes, lemons, and peonies, were bodega and Japanese vending machine goodies. Like a fifth grader’s birthday party, Pringles, Hot Tamales, Pocky sticks and more were scattered about the tables. And the guests, art patrons, donors, and megawatt stars, certainly didn’t turn their noses up. Even guest of honor Jeremy Irons helped himself to generous serving of Milk Duds in between bites of the actual dinner (a jicama and avocado salad and roasted sea bream).
The main attraction, however, was not the bountiful snacks, but those individuals being recognized. Irons, Darren Aronofsky, and Nora Ann Wallace and Jack Nusbaum were each celebrated, for their contributions to the world of art and film and more locally, at BAM.
First on stage was Jennifer Lawrence, who introduced former-flame Aronofsky. Though the director is synonymous with Hollywood, he reminded guests that it’s Brooklyn where he was born, raised, and finds continuous inspiration. BAM Chairman Emeritus Alan Fishman then brought up Wallace and Nusbaum. And lastly, Joan Juliet Buck summoned Irons to the stage, who delivered distinguished remarks, despite a lack of preparation. “I thought I could sit and bask in all the attention, but an hour ago I found out I actually had to say something,” he joked. Irons couldn’t have had nicer things to say about BAM; sharing his experience bonding with passersby and BAM-workers during his cigarette breaks by the stage door before performances of his just-closed show A Long Day’s Journey into Night.
Guests then migrated over to nearby Pioneer Works, a short 5 minute walk that was illuminated by lanterns. If guests didn’t fill up during dinner, the Red Hook art institution offered up local favorites: Maine and Connecticut lobster rolls from the Red Hook Lobster Pound and slices of Steve’s Authentic Key Lime pie. The night ended with a performance by Yeasayer, a celebration of all things Brooklyn.
