Rebecca Wang joins directors, trustees and other patrons at National Gallery black tie dinner

Rebecca Wang joins directors, trustees and other patrons at National Gallery black tie dinner

Thursday 20th November saw the National Gallery in London welcome patrons, trustees to an exclusive evening viewing of paintings including a new acquisition and Monet paintings, followed by dinner. The evening was held in recognition and appreciation of their longstanding and significant support for the institution and its work.

Among those attending were Nicholas Penny, Gallery Director, Mark Getty, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and longstanding patron Hollywood executive producer Rebecca Wang, who is passionate about all art forms. She said "it is a privilege and pleasure to be patron to such a historic gallery which has such a breath-taking public collection of works and which does so very much to make those works accessible and enjoyable for all."

The National Gallery is also the first public collection of art in the United Kingdom and opens free of charge to the public on 361 days of the year. As a non-departmental body in the government’s Culture Media and Sport department the gallery is an exempt charity. Private funding and donations have enabled major purchases and renovation or new work such as the recent west Sainsbury Wing extension while new significant acquisitions have been achieved via the help of major public appeals.

It came into existence in 1824, after ten paintings were gifted to the nation on the condition that the government also acquired a private collection of 38 works for this end, and find suitable exhibiting space. This was done and the 48 paintings were first shown in a town house in Pall Mall.

Work on the present building in Trafalgar Square began in 1832 and the central London location fufilled the gallery’s commitment to be accessible to all social classes. Today with Trafalgar Square a top tourist destination, the gallery is continually busy, both with visitors who chance upon it while in the square and with those for whom it is a place of pilgrimage. After the Louvre, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery is the fourth most visited museum in the world.

The first works in the collection were mainly Renaissance, but numerous acquisitions and bequests have vastly extended its range. Today art lovers may see paintings from a collection of some 3,200 works which range from the 13th century to 1900. Among the exceptional and internationally known and loved paintings on view are Leonardo da Vinci’s The Virgin on the Rocks, Turner’s Fighting Temeraire, Monet’s Water Lily Pond and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Visitors will also find works by Durer, El Greco, Rembrandt, Hogarth, Velazquez and many others.

As its collection of art has expanded, so has the gallery’s educational reach. There are talks, courses, workshops, school visits, teachers’ resources, access and outreach work, associate tenure schemes for contemporary artists, and a daily rolling programme of events. At any time groups of all ages may be seen in gallery rooms listening to and enjoying presentations on the artwork from on-site specialists.

All of which more than justifies the gratitude shown by Thursdays special event to those with the vision to keep the Gallery’s original aims strongly in motion.

Rebecca Wang chairs upcoming amfAR Inspiration Gala 2014 honoring longtime supporter Tom Ford

American fashion designer and film director Tom Ford will be honoured at the 2014 Los Angeles Inspiration Gala. amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, philanthropist Aileen Getty and MD of Creative Artists Agency Bryan Lourd will chair the 2014 Gala, alongside Hollywood executive producer Rebecca Wang to celebrate Ford’s indelible support of amfAR and the fight against AIDS.

The 2014 Inspiration Gala Los Angeles will take place at the Milk Studios, North Cahuenga Boulevard on the evening of Wednesday, October 29, to celebrate amfAR, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, and the organisation’s groundbreaking work.

International designer and film director Tom Ford is to be awarded an honour in recognition of his enduring support for amfAR and the battle against AIDS. Losing many friends to AIDS in the 1980s, Tom Ford has been a longtime supporter of initiatives against the illness. While at Gucci, in addition to overhauling the brand and turning its revenue from $200 million to $3 billion, he established Gucci's charitable work for people living with HIV and AIDS, which won him a Commitment to Life Award from AIDS Project Los Angeles.

AmfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, philanthropist Aileen Getty and MD of Creative Artists Agency Bryan Lourd will chair the 2014 Gala, alongside Hollywood executive producer Rebecca Wang who is thrilled to be lending her prominent support to such an important cause. They will be joined by the film producer and director J.J. Abrams, actress Katie McGrath and Tom Ford, all acting as Vice Chairs.

Speaking about the event, Ms. Wang enthused, "It gives me a great pleasure to support amfAR's stunningly creative Inspiration Galas and their impressive fundraising and, by so doing, play a very small part towards the goal of a world without AIDS."

Gwyneth Paltrow will host the black tie event which starts at 6.30pm with a cocktail reception prior to the fashion show. Dinner will follow at 8pm accompanied by live entertainment, including a rare American performance by renowned Welsh singer Shirley Bassey, before the evening's cornerstone activity, the live auction.

Among those whose attendance has been confirmed are Sharon Stone, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Dita Von Teese, Paltrow’s ex-husband Chris Martin and fellow Coldplay member Jonny Buckland, and Sex and the City actress Kristin Davis.

Title Sponsors for the gala are cosmetics brand MAC VIVA GLAM and financial company Wells Fargo. The event will be produced by Josh Wood Productions.

Launched in 2010, amfAR Inspiration Series celebrates men's fashion and style, while simultaneously raising funds for their AIDS research programs. To date, Inspiration Galas have been held in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Sao Paolo, Rio de Janiero, Toronto, and Miami.

Via the Inspiration series and other high-profile fundraising events, amfAR has, since its founding in 1985, invested over $338 million into its programs and awarded over 3,300 grants to research teams worldwide.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation celebrates 21 Years with Woodside The End Of Summer Party

Rebecca Wang, Sir Ian Mackellen, Ellie Goulding and David Walliams were among those attending the dazzling Woodside summer party hosted by Elton John and David Furnish to mark the 21st birthday of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish opened Woodside, their Windsor home on Thursday September 4th 2014 to host friends, supporters and A-list celebrities for the End of Summer Party.

The exclusive party took place in the landscaped and specially decorated gardens of the expansive Queen Anne style mansion which lies adjacent to the grounds of Windsor Castle. Conceived as a new and unique fundraising event to mark the 21st birthday and achievements of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the intimate gathering welcomed friends and supporters to enjoy superb food, entertainment and music against a stunning backdrop of flower bedecked statues and extraordinary lighting effects.

Rebecca Wang Attends Elton John's End Of Summer Party

Among the long-term supporters of the Elton John AIDS Foundation were world renowned actor Sir Ian Mackellen, and Hollywood executive producer Rebecca Wang, who expressed her support and sentiments in a “birthday” message for the foundation.

“Congratulations on the shining example to us all of your courage, dedication and persistence for an AIDS-free world,” she said. “The phenomenal global achievement of your HIV treatment, prevention and education programmes is exemplary. I am proud to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation and its amazing work.”

In association with Chopard, and supported by Grey Goose and Audi, the evening, requesting a dress code of summertime chic, opened with a champagne cocktail reception in the exquisite gardens, where a stellar array of British talent including Gary Barlow, Tom Odell, James Blunt, Chrissie Hynde, Alfie Boe and Elton John gave a series of fabulous “pop-up performances”.

Following a warm welcome from Elton John, guests then proceeded to the dining area, passing tableaux of models wearing priceless Chopard jewellery who posed motionless against statues garlanded in roses and hydrangeas.

A classic English meal paved the way for the live auction. This is a regular feature of the Foundation’s fundraising events, and, as always, offered an abundance of exclusive and singular lots, including a kiss from actress Elizabeth Hurley which fetched £50,000. A first for this event was guests and those at home being able to pledge funds or messages of support via texts which were beamed up on a screen for all those present.

The evening culminated with the unveiling of an incredible nightclub which included a performance from Cirque du Soleil, and a live set from special guest DJ Fatboy Slim, where guests danced late into the night.

Rebecca Wang Attends Elton John's End Of Summer Party

The End of Summer Party joins other superlative events regularly organized by the Foundation to further its work toward “creating an AIDS-free future.” In the US, EJAF’s annual Academy Awards Viewing Party in Hollywood has developed its own reputation as one of the most prestigious events held during Oscars week, while in the UK the summer White Tie and Tiara Ball has long been favorably documented in the media.

The foundation also holds “Enduring Vision” evenings in New York, which honour those who have shown outstanding dedication or made special contributions to advance the foundation’s cause.

About the Elton John AIDS Foundation
Established by the musician in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the largest privately-funded institutions for AIDS in the world. In 20 years it has raised over £193 million ($300 million) to support more than 1,200 projects across four continents. Funding has helped leverage a further £228 million ($355 million) for programme partners, enabling them to reach millions of people affected by or at risk for HIV.

Rebecca Wang, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Bradley Cooper and Keira Knightley Attend the Serpentine Summer Party

Tuesday, July 1st Saw the Art World’s Most Prestigious Party, the Serpentine Summer Party, Take Place by the Serpentine Galleries Amid the Oxygenated Greenery of Hyde Park, ”The Lungs of London"

The Serpentine Galleries are two contemporary art galleries in Kensington Garden, Hyde Park. Comprising the original Serpentine Gallery, and the new Serpentine Sackler Gallery designed by Zaha Hadid architects which opened in September 2013, they are linked by the bridge over Serpentine Lake from which the galleries get their names, they are among London’s best loved art venues. Up to 1.2 million visitors annually enjoy the parallel exhibitions at both galleries which comprise prestigious collections of modern and contemporary art, along with their impressive Exhibition, Architecture, Design, Education and Public Programmes.

Rebecca Wang, Bradley Cooper and Pharrell Williams attend the 2014 Serpentine Summer Party – London

The Serpentine Summer Party is an annual fund-raiser for the galleries, helping to further their educational remit. It extends on the wide and strong support and patronage enjoyed by the galleries and has long held the reputation of being a sumptuous and glamorous evening, on a par with Ascot, Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show as one of the quintessential outdoor events during London’s summer months.

Co-hosts for this year’s party were of a particularly high-powered variety: joining Gallery Director Julia Peyton-Jones and Co-Director Hans Ulrich Obrist, Chairman and former Mayor of New York Michael R Bloomberg, Chairman and CEO of luxury brand Kering Francois-Henri Pinault, and international hotelier Andre Balazs.
Among those attending were the Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Bradley Cooper, Keira Knightly and her husband James Righton, Bryan Ferry, Orlando Bloom, Lily Allen, Ben Goldsmith, Pharrell Williams, who performed a live music set, and gallery patrons and trustees including executive Hollywood film producer Rebecca Wang and international architect Zaha Hadid.

Rebecca Wang is a dedicated supporter of all art forms. In addition to her roles as patron to the Tate Modern, National Gallery, and Serpentine, she is a member of both the Academy Circle for BAFTA (the British Academy of Film and Television Awards) and also Director of the Circle at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Zaha Hadid is a globally renowned architect who created the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympics. She has also been one of the previously chosen architects for the Serpentine Pavilion and has recently become the first woman to win the Design Museum’s Design of the Year award for the Heyder Aliyev culture centre in Baku.

Tuesday evening also offered guests the opportunity to enjoy the 2014 Serpentine Summer Pavilion.

Unique to the Serpentine Galleries, this pioneering annual commission offers internationally renowned architects an opportunity to create their first built structure in England. Previous architects who have participated in designing a pavilion for the summer months have included Frank Gehry, Oscar Niemeyer and Jean Nouvel.

This year’s architect, Smiljan Radic from Chile, has created the 14th pavilion which will extend some 350 square metres across the lawn. He sees his design as being in the tradition of the popular follies built in parks or large gardens between the 16th and 19th centuries, and describes it as: “a fragile shell suspended on large quarry stones. This shell, white, translucent and made of fibreglass will house an interior organised around a patio. At night, thanks to the semi-transparency of the shell, the amber-tinted light will attract the attention of passers-by, like lamps attracting moths.”

From the patio inside the pavilion, the natural setting will seem lower, with the sensation that the entire volume is floating.

During its four month tenure in the park, the Pavilion will serve as a flexible multi-purpose social space with a café inside, and on Fridays will be the stage for the Galleries Park Nights – eight specific events incorporating art, poetry, music, film, literature and theory along with three new commissions by emerging artists.

The evening was sponsored by luxury Italian brand Brioni and organised by Events Fusion.

Rebecca Wang Will Be among Those Chairing amfAR’s 2014 Inspiration Gala in New York City on June 10th

Rebecca Wang Will Be among Those Chairing amfAR’s 2014 Inspiration Gala in New York City on June 10th

The black tie event will honor Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, the Calvin Klein Collection, and HBO for their proactive contributions to the fight against AIDS, following hot on the heels of last month’s Cinema Against AIDS party which raised a record-breaking $35 million.

Rebecca Wang Chairs for amfAR’s 2014 Inspiration Gala in New York City

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, the Calvin Klein Collection and cable satellite network HBO will be honored for their contributions to the fight against AIDS at amfAR’s 2014 New York Inspiration Gala on June 10th.

amfAR’s Inspiration Gala Series events are held in various leading international cities, and their creative arts emphasis is evident through the artistic content and production process in which the evenings are created.

Celebrating men’s fashion and style, the Gala equally focuses on acknowledging and honoring individuals who have made an especial contribution in the fight against AIDS. Previous recipients include philanthropist Aileen Getty, designer Valentino, actress Goldie Hawn and entertainer Jennifer Lopez.

This month will see the 2014 New York Inspiration Gala unroll on June 10th at the iconic Plaza Hotel in the city.

Among the Chairs for this Gala are designers Thom Browne and Thakoon Panchgui; actors Robert de Niro, Alan Cumming and Jennifer Lopez; Hollywood executive producer Rebecca Wang and amfAR trustee R Martin Chavez and his husband Adam Norbury.

Awards will be presented to Crown Princess Mette Marit of Norway for her proactive engagement with AIDS projects across the world, the Calvin Klein Collection for their long history of support for AIDS organizations, and cable satellite network HBO who have always been prepared to pioneer broadcasting around AIDS, most significantly with the transmission in the late eighties of the film “And the Band Played On.”

The black tie event will start with a cocktail reception and will be followed by a fashion show in the Palm Court, featuring designs from leading men’s top end designers. Afterwards, dinner guests will enjoy a live performance from British rock band New Order, before the renowned live auction is held.

Josh Duhamel will host the evening and long-term amfAR supporter Sarah Jessica Parker will act as presenter. Title Sponsor for the evening is MAC Cosmetics, while Kevin Klein and HBO are Gold and Silver Sponsors, respectively. Hotel Sponsor is The Plaza, and the evening will be produced by Josh Wood Productions.

amfAR’s most recent Gala evening was their Cinema Against AIDS party, which is held annually during the Cannes International Film Festival and holds the reputation as the most popular soiree held during the festival fortnight. It combines a unique and one-off fashion show, live performances and a live auction which features both lots and bids of jaw-dropping proportions.

Last month’s Gala ran an exclusive “Red Collection” fashion show, comprising creations in red from leading fashion houses, which was auctioned as a lot for $5 million. Also up for offer in the live auction were an exclusively designed Bulgari Serpenti necklace and a gilded woolly mammoth skeleton by Damian Hirst. The latter fetched $15 million, contributing to a total sum of $35 million raised during the evening, a record high in amfAR’s fundraising history. Among those attending were Carla Bruni Sarkowzy, Leonardo Di Caprio, Jessica Chastain and Jane Campion.

Rebecca Wang Explores The World of Faberge Easter Eggs

Rebecca Wang is passionate about the finest art forms and unsurpassed craftsmanship, so she appreciates the fascination and motivation of the admiring queue of enthusiasts who have continuously filed through a select showroom in London’s Mayfair in the period leading up to the Easter weekend. The showroom belongs to the Faberge specialist Wartski, and the goal of the visitors has been the unique privilege of seeing a small exquisitely crafted golden egg, on display for the first time in 112 years.

Third in the series of the 50 Imperial Faberge Easter Eggs

Sitting on a tripod whose legs have been intricately worked into lion paw feet, the top half of the ridged outer yellow gold shell is opened back from a diamond push piece, while around the centre of the lower half are scooped garlands worked in contrasting gold, their bows studded with tiny cabochon sapphires and rose diamonds. Inside the outer shell is the oval of an inner golden egg and within that sits a jewelled ladies watch crafted by the Geneva watchmakers Constantin Vacheron.

The egg is the third in the series of the 50 Imperial Faberge Easter Eggs, and has recently been established as the 43rd known to be in existence. Rediscovered in the most unlikely of circumstances, it was last seen in a 1964 auction catalogue where it had sold for $2450. In the eighties a part time dealer acquired it for around $14,000 at a bric a brac market. He intended to sell it on for scrap, but as he had overestimated the scrap value, had no success. He began to search on Google and found a 2011 article describing the egg where the Wartski Faberge expert estimated it value could reach £20 million. He contacted Wartski who flew out to the mid-West and confirmed the validity.

Specially created by the House of Faberge for the Russian Imperial Family during the final thirty years of their rule, it was made at the request of Tsar Alexander III as an Easter gift for his wife Maria Feodorovna. The first egg made in 1885 had so delighted the Royal family that the tradition continued; with the only condition being that each one should contain a surprise.

Each egg took a year from first design to its completion for delivery on Good Friday, and over the years “surprises “ included a ruby egg hanging from a miniature of the Imperial Crown, or, to reflect the creation of the Trans Siberian Railway, the longest rail route in the world, miniature rolling stock in gold.

The House of Faberge had been founded some sixty years previously by Gustave, who arrived from Estonia in St Petersburg to train as goldsmith. He built a sound business and by the time his son Peter Carl took over, the House of Faberge was creating exclusive masterpieces of jewellery and ornamental objects for a highly exclusive clientele. Such was the skill, prestige and renown of its workmanship that by the early twentieth century, it had established outlets in Odessa, Kiev, Moscow and London.

Peter Carl had enjoyed a full and broad formation, including business study in Paris and Dresden, training with goldsmiths in England, France and Germany, and the undertaking of a Grand Tour, all of which helped shape his skill and vision: it was under his leadership that House of Faberge reached the reputation it still enjoys today.

In addition to the eggs, the company produced a full range of other precious items, each subject to scrupulous approval from Carl or his son Eugene- the tiniest of faults would result in rejection. Subjects included miniature flora, fauna and people, and inspiration was drawn from previous craft and national traditions as well as the most careful observation, sketching and modelling from nature. The firm extended stylistically on previous enamel work developed in France, and took the Italian and German cultural tradition along with Russian nobility’s love of folk, peasant or national characters for figurines.

Flowers and animals were observed and copied from life, with careful studies being made from nature to achieve realistic effects: a dandelion of spun asbestos fibres and green nephrite was set in a vase and “water” of clear crystal; hand stone carvings were inspired by farm animals at the Royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Special or favoured clients might be invited to make their own input into the design process.

All changed dramatically in 1917 when the Bolshevik revolution came to Russia. The company was nationalised, the family scattered across Europe and priceless pieces were confiscated, taken or disappeared. Across the Atlantic in the USA, the company name was registered for toiletries by an American, and then became absorbed in various business takeovers, but most significantly, for almost one hundred years there was no involvement from the Faberge family in the products that bore their name.

Happily at the most recent takeover in 2007, successful initiatives were begun to reunify firm and family, and incorporate the heritage of experience into current production. Faberge re-launched in 2009 under the experienced creative and managing directorship of Katharina Flohr. She works in close contact with Carl’s great granddaughters Sarah and Tatiana Faberge who sit on the Faberge Heritage Council and offer expertise and guidance to the company.

Still engaged in creating magnificence from precious metals and gemstones, Faberge has updated its Easter egg message with the Big Egg Hunt initiative which has run in recent years and sees contemporary world class artists and designers design unique eggs which are hidden across a city for participants to find. This year’s lucky winners in New York stand to win one of three Faberge jewelled eggs on pendants.

Rebecca Wang Joins A-list Celebrities Front-Row at Chanel Paris Fashion Show

Chanel’s 2014 AW collection unfolded on the morning of Tuesday 4th March at 10.30am in the impressive the Grand Palais in the 8me district of Paris.

Tuesday’s show, always one of the most highly anticipated events of Paris Fashion Week, took place against the stunning backdrop of the Grand Palais. Built in 1900 for the World Fair, the building is a mixture of classicist stone facade, art nouveau iron work and glass and is best known for its enormous glass roof which affords plenty of natural light.

Among the show’s attendees were Keira Knightly, Anna Wintour, Melanie Griffith, Rihanna and Rebecca Wang. Helmsman of creativity at Chanel is Karl Lagerfeld, perhaps the most famous designer of international renown who has headed up the design team there for the last thirty years. Lagerfeld not only leads and oversees the creations for each collection, but also photographs the advertising campaigns for all the houses under his direction each season. He is also to design limited edition homes on La Moda, the world’s first dedicated fashion island. Over his time at Chanel, Lagerfeld has retained the brand’s signature features such as tweed, gold accents and chains, but has also chosen to break away with the traditional lady-like look and experiment with different styles. Coco Mademoiselle and In Between Wear, both of which target younger women, have been launched under his direction in the last decade.

His show opened in lively and active mode: the Palais had been turned into one giant hyper market. Aisles of shelves were stacked high with bright supermarket products, many of them bearing the Chanel logo or labels that linked with the brand. Fresh fruit and vegetables, along with “Chanel” doormats, hammers, cleaning liquids and tins of tea and coffee were among the items on view.

Among these aisles moved the models, showing their clothes and simultaneously getting on with their daily lives, shopping for products. The sudden appearance of an older couple, she in pink boucle suit and he with mustache and jacket, both laden with rue de Cambon bags, served to hint at the diversity and sweep of the designs.

Rebecca Wang Joins A-list Celebrities Front-Row at Chanel Paris Fashion Show

The collection’s range ran from conservative love for a suit, through sophisticated tailoring and simple separates to edgy casual. Oversize shoulders, cage waists and a good amount of pastel tweeds were out in force. Footwear was flat and interpreted with many colored trainers, some of which reached calf-high as front lace boots. Hair was in sleek pony tails which at the back sported extension braids in fabrics hinting at youth, rebellion and ethnic street style.

Rebecca Wang and Karl Lagerfeld

Colors were rich and varied and chief among the themes were layering, contrast and variety. Encompassing casual, smart, conventional and edgy, the relaxed collection showed a multiplicity of designs in daily action, offering something for each and every woman.

The end of the show saw a mad grab by attendees for the displayed products, along with assurance that the food on display would later be distributed among the homeless of Paris. Chanel delivered- a sustainable and totally contemporary show.

Rebecca Wang supports Star Studded Evening at the 23rd Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party.

Rebecca Wang supports the 23rd Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party attended by Steven Tyler, Donatella Versace, Jane Fonda, Robert de Niro and Lady Gaga.

On Sunday, March 2, 2014 Hollywood welcomed not only Oscar night, but also the most high profile fundraising event associated with the Academy Awards-the Elton John AIDS Foundation Viewing Party.  This annual celebration, now in its 23rd year, is the largest of its kind to happen in Hollywood on Oscar night and to date has raised over $40 million towards the Foundation's wide range of initiatives against AIDS.

The 2014 party was held in the Pacific Design Centre, West Hollywood where Honorary Chairs Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish welcomed Co-chairs and seasoned supporters, including Steven Tyler, Donatella Versace, Jane Fonda, Robert de Niro, Lady Gaga, and Sharon Stone.

The evening was made possible by generous support and donations at the individual and corporate level. Co-sponsors for this year were luxury car brand Audi, cosmetics group M.A.C VIVA Glam, and financial services group Wells Fargo, while the Starkey Hearing Foundation was an Associate Sponsor.

Among regular individual supporters of the Foundation is executive film producer and entrepreneur, Rebecca Wang, who has been a benefactor over consecutive years, and this year acted as a patron to the event. She said, "It is immensely fulfilling for me to be able to support this cause, and such a truly stellar evening, which at the same time is benefiting the ground-breaking initiatives against AIDS that are led by the Foundation."

The black tie event saw guests gather at 4.00pm for cocktails where Patron Tequila presented the spirits, and Veuve Cliquot the champagne. A five course meal, planned and prepared by Gordon Ramsey, followed at 5.00pm, during which guests watched the live telecast of the Academy Awards ceremony.

After dinner came a live performance from British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, prior to the staging of the renowned live auction, which was conducted by Alexander Gilkes of Paddles. The auction lived up to its promise of lively and competitive bidding for the exotic lots, where frequently sums around $3 million and over are raised during this part of the evening. Among the enviable items being auctioned this year was a 7 day stay in Steven Tyler's luxury home in Maui, Hawaii.

DJ Johnny Dyell rounded off the evening with music for dancing the night away to.

Chopard, Neuro drinks and Well Fargo regularly support the Academy Awards Viewing Party and this year was no exception. Appreciation was also voiced for the City of West Hollywood, and American Airlines, the official airline to the Foundation.

A Star-studded Set of Some of the most Internationally Eminent Figures in the Industry Were in London Last Night to Attend the 67th BAFTA Annual Film Awards Ceremony

HRH Prince William led those present at the BAFTA Film Awards last night, attending in his role as President of the organisation, and also to present a BAAFTA Fellowship to Helen Mirren. Among the transatlantic A-listers arriving on the red carpet leading to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden were Martin Scorsese, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Bradley Cooper and Tom Hanks. They joined London based film VIPs including Helen Mirren, director Steve McQueen and executive producer Rebecca Wang to attend the evening, which is now highly respected not only as a significant ceremony in its own right, but also as a reliable predictor for success at the Oscars next month.

HRH Prince William led the guests at the BAFTA Film Awards last night, attending in his role as President of the organisation and also to confer a BAFTA Fellowship on Helen Mirren.

Rebecca Wang Attends the Star Studded 67th Annual BAFTA Film Awards Ceremony

Among the transatlantic A-listers arriving on the red carpet leading to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden were Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Bradley Cooper, and Tom Hanks. They joined London based film VIPs including Dame Judi Dench, director Steve McQueen and executive producer Rebecca Wang to attend the evening, which is now highly respected not only as a significant ceremony in its own right, but also as a reliable predictor for success at the Oscars next month. Live television coverage enabled audiences across many countries to follow the ceremony, hosted by Stephen Fry.

Competition in all award categories was fierce, but it was a successful night for the cinema industry in the UK. Steve McQueen's Twelve Years a Slave won Best Film, and Chiwetel Ejiofur, who played the lead part, took the Leading Actor award. Twelve times nominated Gravity garnered six awards overall, including Best Director for Alfonso Cuaron. American Hustle saw two awards: for Best Original Screenplay, and also Jennifer Lawrence's Best Supporting Actress. Newcomer Somali-American actor Barkhad Abdi won Best Supporting Actor for his debut role in Captain Phillips, and Cate Blanchett triumphed as Leading Actress for her stunning performance in Blue Jasmine.

Following the presentation of the awards, the evening moved to the Grosvenor House Hotel, where guests enjoyed the celebratory official dinner, and then concluded with the After Party in the hotel's splendid ballroom.

Rebecca Wang Attends the Star Studded 67th Annual BAFTA Film Awards Ceremony

BAFTA, the British Academy for Film and Television Arts, is the number one UK organisation for the promoting and supporting the three moving visual art forms: film, television and video games. It has existed in its present form for the last thirty five years as an independent charity, and now is also active in the US. The majority of its members are creatives and professionals working in the moving art industries and funding comes both from individuals and bodies within the industries.

Hollywood executive producer Rebecca Wang is member of the Academy Circle and an ongoing supporter for their Scholarship programme. She also actively advocates for BAFTA's most recent campaign, Give Something Back. This calls on members, award winners and industry organisations to follow the campaign's title and contribute towards the initiatives to support young people which, in addition to the Scholarship programme, also include guest lectureships and summer work placements.

Rebecca said: "It is so very gratifying for me to be able to support BAFTA's marvellous initiative, the Give Something Back campaign, launched by HRH Prince William in November. It provides a golden opportunity to help foster and develop the budding talent of many British youngsters, and which at the same time will ensure and expand the future of creative visual arts in the UK."

Rebecca Wang Featured in Exclusive Interview in the Recent Edition of Hollywood Weekly

Rebecca Wang was the star of a new six page interview that focused on the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards. Her work as an entrepreneur, film producer and psychotherapist have given her a unique insight and appreciation for the arts, which created a captivating dialogue for the interview.

In the recent Hollywood Weekly edition published in the week preceding the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards, executive producer, entrepreneur and former psychotherapist Rebecca Wang provides another stimulating and thought provoking six page interview, giving a special personal insight into this organization for the visual arts and her keen support for health and humanitarian projects.

Rebecca Wang Interviewed for Hollywood Weekly

As someone devoted to all forms of artistic expression, and with personal experience in the film industry,  Rebecca Wang  describes how it has been a natural step for her to support BAFTA, and why it is close to her heart. She gives an account of how the annual British Academy Film Awards has evolved over recent years into a ceremony of highly respected and influential international ranking on the world film circuit. She also discusses the sheer range of projects and programs BAFTA offers all year round, and most importantly, how the work it is involved with among talented youngsters is ensuring a bright future for UK film, television and video games production.

 Sharing her own wealth of knowledge and practice in cinema, Rebecca Wang gives her definition of what constitutes a great film, and gives her assessment for trophy possibilities for the highly acclaimed UK film, 12 Years a Slave. In keeping with her multi-faceted love of and approach to life, readers also learn more about the other arts organizations in the UK which she supports. She enthusiastically describes the pleasure she derives from her connection to these organizations, and readers are permitted a highly personal interpretation of fashion, music and photography.

Wang goes on to explain the qualities and values which are intrinsic to her approach to life and her own personal goals. She tells about how working in accordance with these values has helped her in her many achievements, be they academic study, the practice of psychotherapy, or in creating a Hollywood film with award winning actors.

Her respect for good health as the bedrock of human existence translates into careful daily physical and spiritual practice for her own wellbeing, and then into the realm of health and humanitarian issues which she keenly advocates. For her, the AIDS charities EJAF (the Elton John AIDS Foundation), and amfAR (the American Foundation for AIDS research) are of note, and enthuse her not only because of the remarkable work that they do, but also for their ability to infuse their renowned and stellar international fundraising events with breathtaking artistic creativity.

For Rebecca Wang, any notion of being a role model is of little interest. Of primary importance is the dedication towards her own goals and achievements in life, and for keeping a clear and positive attitude. Also, she enforces her belief that an individual’s vision should never bring harm to others. Her words imply that if everyone took these steps, the effect would be a better world for everyone. She states, “The role of celebrity is a responsibility requiring a moral undertaking, given that via social media, those in the limelight are so avidly and slavishly followed and copied by the young. These people wield such a strong influence over that audience, and it should be used wisely. Celebrities have a chance to lead by example by participating in a healthy lifestyle, and positive behaviors towards others.”

Rebecca Wang interviewed for Hollywood weekly

The interview ends with Wang describing that by practicing discipline and persistence in whatever one does, dreams can be fulfilled. “Ultimately,” she tells her readers, “it is you who will make your dreams happen. Nobody else can do that for you.”

Read the Hollywood Weekly article: http://www.rebeccawangentertainment.com/press/rebecca-wang-featured-in-exclusive-interview-in-the-recent-edition-of-hollywood-weekly

Rebecca Wang Featured in Exclusive Interview in the Recent Edition of Hollywood Weekly

by Ariella Vaystukh

Rebecca Wang is an entrepreneur, executive film producer, and former psychotherapist currently based in London, England, where she is the CEO of her own production company, Rebecca Wang Entertainment. With a vigorous passion for the arts and philanthropy, Rebecca continuously contributes to making the world a better place by supporting leading charities worldwide, such as the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), the American Foundation for AIDS Research, (amFAR), and the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF). In addition, Rebecca advocates all forms of artistic expression throughout the world with strong interests in film, music, photography, and fashion. Her numerous achievements on a grand scale have created a path of inspiration for many who are drawn to her genuine and humble nature. A lifestyle based on integrity, discipline, and a balance of inner and outer harmony helps illustrate the captivating aura of an outstanding individual such as herself. Rebecca opens up and shares her wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of cinema, by elaborating on her personal definition of what constitutes a great film. She goes into great detail about the 2014 BAFTA Awards in London and also gives her assessment for trophy possibilities for the highly acclaimed UK film, 12 Years a Slave. Rebecca comments on her views on the importance of philanthropy and the key role that celebrities play in setting examples for the people who admire them. The following is an exclusive interview between Hollywood Weekly and Ms. Wang:

HW: Tell us more about BAFTA — why you support it, the full range of projects run by BAFTA, and the new initiative that it launched in November “Give Something Back”. How has being a part of this organization (you are a member for the Academy Circle for BAFTA)enabled you to further support the arts?

RW: Supporting the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is a natural choice for me because of my love for and experience of cinema. This leading UK charity celebrates and encourages art forms of the moving image, and enables the best creative work in films, television and video games to be accessed and appreciated by all. Most recently in November, BAFTA’s President HRH Prince William Duke of Cambridge has launched the Give Something Back Campaign. This major scheme will support talented youngsters from all backgrounds via mentoring, guest lectures, scholarships, and summer work placements, helping them to develop and use their creative skills and thus advance their careers and realize their dreams. As a member of the Academy Circle, through supporting the scholarship programme, I am very excited to be part of helping develop the skill of these technicians, actors, producers and games designers in waiting, and in so doing to play a small part in building and expanding these art forms for the future.

HW: How do you account for the increased recognition and truly international standards of excellence that have developed in the BAFTA Awards over the recent years?

RW: First I would say that the choice of nominations for the Awards has become increasingly broad and world encompassing, and within each category the range and representation of talent more inclusive and diverse – for example in 2013, after a lifetime of outstanding performances on the French screen, Emmanuelle Riva at 85 took the Leading Actress Award for her role in Amour, which also won the Best Film not in the English Language. Actor Ben Affleck changed his known role and took the Best Director Award for Argo. This year Wadjda, the first full length film ever shot in Saudi Arabia , and the only feature length film made in Saudi Arabia by a female director, is nominated for Best Film not in the English language, and the five Rising Star nominees hail from the UK, USA, France and Kenya. All this is hopeful and points to increasing world participation in this great art form.

HW: This year’s BAFTA Awards will be announced next week. Based on your love and experience of cinema and your work as an executive producer in Hollywood, what would you say were the key ingredients or components that go towards an award winning film?

RW: I believe anybody wanting to make a great film looks for the same things. Beyond funding, a unique story or subject matter, that is not just relevant and with universal appeal, but that will allow an outstanding human condition or life experience to be shown. The quality of the producer’s and more crucially the director’s vision: how he or she is going to turn that story or theme into wonderful cinema. You will want actors of the highest calibre, who have the capacity to bring out the best of the character they are playing, and whose parts will stretch their skills to the maximum. Outstanding expertise for cinematography, production design, costume design, makeup and hair styling, and all the many technical skills that contribute to the originality of the musical score, sound and special visual effects. The capacity of the direction for the film, the creative spark; how the vision is sculpted and woven together through the editing, and finally the overall message to its audience and how effectively it is transmitted. An outstanding film may inspire, uplift, challenge, and or provoke thought, questions and possibly action. Beyond that, and considering the stunning quality of entries over recent years, it will finally be down to luck and how the judges vote!

HW: The British film 12 Years a Slave has had ecstatic reviews, already won a Golden Globe and is hotly tipped for the Oscars. How do you rate its chances at the BAFTA ceremony in the UK next week?

RW: Twelve Years a Slave has received 10 BAFTA nominations overall, collected 9 overall nominations for the Oscars, and recently won Best Film at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, which is a fair indication of the quality of the film. Director Steve McQueen, already awarded an OBE and a CBE for his services to visual arts, was the first British director ever to win the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 2008 for his first feature film Hunger, which also gained numerous awards at festivals in a large number of countries worldwide. The acting team is strong, and its cinematography, production design, editing and music are all included in the nomination categories, so I think the chances are good, especially in the home country. As Chiwetel Ejiofor the principal actor says: “It’s so much a film about human respect and human dignity and it’s so powerful and relevant. It’s never too early or too late to discuss these kinds of topics.”

HW: What other similar organizations do you support and why are they important to you?

RW: I admire both the amfAR and EJAF for their highly creative and effective fundraising. The state of the art events they hold are huge attractions in their own right. amfAR’s annual Inspiration Galas across cities worldwide demonstrate how creativity can be moulded to serve philanthropy. Celebrating men’s fashion and style through catwalk shows with contributions from leading designers, these events also recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the cause. I have joined others to sponsor the 2012 Paris Gala and in 2013 with others was a chair for both the New York and Los Angeles Inspiration Galas. Over two consecutive years I was a benefactor for the EJAF annual Awards Viewing Ceremony in Hollywood where guests enjoy simultaneous streaming of the Awards event. I am honoured to be supporting the Awards Viewing Ceremony again this year, this time in the capacity of patron, a role I also took for their 2013 “Enduring Vision” evening in New York, where Hilary Clinton and Elton John were both honoured with awards.

HW: It is evident that you value and practice discipline, integrity and honesty among many other honorable qualities. This is a truly rare thing to come by in today’s world, and especially in regards to someone of your standing. How have these values helped you to accomplish what you desire in life?

RW: For me, practice of discipline on a daily basis helps me to develop the quality of persistence, which I believe to be vital in order to overcome obstacles and to accomplish all I set out to do. I also feel it essential to hold a clear vision and intention, and be sure that you are honest with your own intention in order to act with integrity: any action you make in pursuit of your own goal should not be at anybody else’s expense. Practicing persistence on a daily basis has enabled me to graduate from the University of California Berkeley with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, and subsequently to practice effectively as a psychotherapist. In the same way this attitude and practice helped me to overcome the daily challenges when I entered the film industry with no previous experience, and produced my first Hollywood feature film Passion Play, working with two Academy Award nominees and one BAFTA winner.

HW: I understand that your fields of work include, but are not limited to: music, fashion and photography. How are these various areas of expression an extension of you as an individual?

RW: All the fields mentioned are different art forms which each express different facets of me. For myself, I believe that fashion represents how we express ourselves and reflects our inner emotions for that moment in time. Since we consciously choose the designs, concepts, colours, fabrics and workmanship in any outfit, it is a total vehicle for self-expression, a means to project our own self image. What you portray to the world is who you are and this gives people a visual expression of you. My experience of music is that it can act on another vibrational level for all of us. Melody boosts creative reasoning, while rhythm raises the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin which will transmit nerve impulses to help us to connect with our internal selves and find peace. Photography for me is that silent art form which catches an instant in time and immortalizes it. It is the only way you can hold on to any precious moment with all that it may personally evoke.

HW: You possess a captivating and natural glow in your appearance. Is there anything about your physical or spiritual regimen that contributes to radiating presence and natural beauty?

RW: I exercise regularly for my own health and physical well-being. I prefer natural forms of exercise such as swimming and yoga. Equally important for me is inner or spiritual exercise. I practice meditation daily: I feel it is important for us to make time for ourselves to retreat into our own space and connect with our inner self in order to have time to reflect and to make better decisions.

HW: Despite your long list of remarkable achievements, you continue to strive to accomplish more, and work diligently to develop yourself. Is it important to you to be a role model and inspiration to people around the world?

RW: Being a role model or inspiration to people is not and has never been a motivation for me. Striving to accomplish more and working to improve myself is important for my own life purpose. If, by being a better person who is clear and happy in my intentions and actions, I have a positive effect through how I am and what I do, then that is all to the good, and if each of us can do that the effect will be highly significant.

HW: Helping others who are less fortunate or in need of guidance has been a recurring theme of your life: this is shown not only through your continuous patronage of the arts, but also through the organizations that you advocate, one of which is the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).Why is addressing health and humanitarian issues so important for you?

RW: Health, or rather good health is the most vital and important foundation in our own lives, respecting and building that should be our first concern and aim. So for me it is natural to do everything possible to encourage and raise the level of awareness of health world-wide, most especially in areas of un-health where for whatever reasons, urgent intervention, education and prevention are needed. The AIDS epidemic has been one of the biggest health crises of the last few decades-a crisis as much of ignorance and prejudice as of physical illness. I have been proud to support both amfAR and the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) for some years now, as their dynamic global commitment and work over the past twenty years have achieved groundbreaking advances in treatment, prevention and attitude for the disease.

HW: Could you explain to us some of the ways in which you have supported these two admirable organizations?

RW: I admire both the EJAF and amfAR for their highly creative and effective fundraising. The state of the art events they hold are huge attractions in their own right. amfAR annual Inspiration Galas across cities worldwide demonstrate how creativity can be molded to serve philanthropy. Celebrating men’s fashion and style through catwalk shows with contributions from leading designers, these events also recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the cause. I have joined others to sponsor the 2012 Paris Gala and in 2013 with others was a chair for both the New York and Los Angeles Inspiration Galas. Over two consecutive years I was a benefactor for the EJAF annual Awards Viewing Ceremony in Hollywood where guests enjoy simultaneous streaming of the Awards event. I am honored to be resuming my support for the Viewing Awards Ceremony this year, this time in the capacity of patron, a role I also took for their 2013 “Enduring Vision” evening in New York, where Hilary Clinton and Elton John were both honored with awards.

HW: In recent years there has been a growth in younger celebrities seeking to make the world a better place. You, in addition to other celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, have made philanthropy a significant and active part of your career. Why do you think it is important for younger celebrities to raise awareness of social issues and advocate positive change in the world?

RW: In present media coverage a celebrity can and does easily represent an example or role model for hundreds of thousands of young people who will know, watch and follow every action, and are influenced by what their hero or heroine wears, says and does. This is a huge responsibility and I believe that it is crucial to have a morality in such a position. As someone generally in the spotlight, a celebrity can use their own power and influence by being linked to an issue that is beneficial to the young such as healthy living or positive behavior towards others. The celebrity can, like a family member, seem a mentor or guide towards good living and behavior via their own example.

HW: Do you have any words of advice or encouragement for our readers pertaining to achieving one’s goals and pursuing self-actualization and personal fulfillment?

RW: Be honest with yourself about your intentions, and that these are in alignment with your beliefs and your value system. You will know if they are in harmony by how you feel. Practice discipline and above all persistence in all you do to reach your goal; continue to work at all obstacles that present themselves. Your vision will not happen by itself, use these skills to develop the determination to reach it.

Rebecca Wang Featured in Exclusive Interview in the Recent Edition of Hollywood Weekly

Rebecca Wang Featured in Exclusive Interview in the Recent Edition of Hollywood Weekly

Rebecca Wang Featured in Exclusive Interview in the Recent Edition of Hollywood Weekly

Rebecca Wang Featured in Exclusive Interview in the Recent Edition of Hollywood Weekly