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

November 3, 2023

The Crosby Hotel set the stage for a riveting celebration of Netflix’s latest offering, NYAD. This cinematic masterpiece delves into the journey of Diana Nyad, a marathon swimmer determined to swim from Cuba to Florida at 64. Led by Oscar-winning director Chai Vasarhelyi, who collaborated with Jimmy Chin, and featuring stalwarts Annette Bening and Jodie 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's Crosby Street Hotel on November 02, 2023. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Netflix) — **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.

Bonnie Stoll, renowned designer Cynthia Rowley, Mara Hoffman, filmmaker Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, and The WIE Suite's Dee Poku come together for the intimate NYAD Breakfast and Conversation held at the Crosby Street Hotel on November 02, 2023. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Netflix) — **Bonnie Stoll**, renowned designer **Cynthia Rowley**, **Mara Hoffman**, filmmaker **Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi**, and The WIE Suite's **Dee Poku** come together for the intimate NYAD Breakfast and Conversation held at the Crosby Street Hotel on November 02, 2023. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Netflix)

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 like Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of GLAAD, and Jenny 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. NYAD is 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.