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Annette Bening and Jodie Foster Headline Netflix’s NYAD Celebration with NYC’s Elite Women

NYAD

TheCrosby Hotelset the stage for a riveting celebration ofNetflix’s latest offering, NYAD. This cinematic masterpiece delves into the journey ofDiana Nyad, a marathon swimmer determined to swim from Cuba to Florida at 64. Led by Oscar-winning directorChai Vasarhelyi, who collaborated withJimmy Chin, and featuring stalwartsAnnette BeningandJodie Foster, this film promises to inspire.

Dee Poku, Ariane Goldman, and Zani Gugelman shine at the NYAD Breakfast and Conversation event, held at New York City
Dee Poku, Ariane Goldman, and Zani Gugelman shine at the NYAD Breakfast and Conversation event, held at New York City's Crosby Street Hotel on November 02, 2023. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Netflix)

Powerful Conversations on Resilience and Age

The intimate breakfast gathering at The Crosby Hotel, curated by Dee Poku of The WIE Suite, renowned designer Cynthia Rowley, and trailblazer Pat Cleveland, showcased pivotal discussions about the film's essence.

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Chai Vasarhelyi expressed, “I’m interested in stories of people that push what is possible… and particularly interested in what that experience is like for a woman. Diana Nyad is that person - she’s not afraid to be ambitious, she’s not afraid to want something and push herself to the edge. It also created this very special opportunity to create two rich roles, for two female actors… We got very spoiled when Annette agreed to play Diana and really spoiled when Jodie agreed to play Bonnie.”

Bonnie Stoll exclaimed about her portrayal in the movie, “The entire experience was surreal. Jodie nails it, as do Annette and Rhys (Ifans). You can see it’s one big team who made this, from the directors to Netflix.”

Pat Cleveland, Batsheva Hay, and Asmeret Berhe-Lumax grace the NYAD Breakfast and Conversation event at the Crosby Street Hotel, New York City on November 02, 2023. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Netflix)
Pat Cleveland, Batsheva Hay, and Asmeret Berhe-Lumax grace the NYAD Breakfast and Conversation event at the Crosby Street Hotel, New York City on November 02, 2023. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Netflix)

NYC's Female Elite Celebrates NYAD

Guests likeSarah Kate Ellis, CEO of GLAAD, andJenny Fleiss, Co-Founder of Rent The Runway, immersed in enriching dialogues. They touched upon female empowerment and the challenges faced by trailblazers like Pat Cleveland, who recounted her time as a groundbreaking Black supermodel.

Bonnie Stoll, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, and Dee Poku engage in a spirited discussion at the NYAD Breakfast and Conversation event held at the Crosby Street Hotel, New York City, on November 02, 2023. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Netflix)
Bonnie Stoll, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, and Dee Poku engage in a spirited discussion at the NYAD Breakfast and Conversation event held at the Crosby Street Hotel, New York City, on November 02, 2023. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Netflix)

A Must-Watch Tale on Netflix

Diana Nyad’s story, adapted from her memoir "Find a Way," is a testament to unwavering spirit and friendship.NYADis now available on Netflix, marking the narrative debut of documentary filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin.

Empowering Female Leaders - The WIE Suite

Founded by Dee Poku, The WIE Suite is a community designed for empowering women in leadership roles. It serves as a platform where members bolster their careers, enhance personal brands, and exchange invaluable insights.