Hollywood's elite are gearing up for the highly anticipated Oscars on Sunday, with extravagant pre-parties rivaling the main event itself.
Among the star-studded gatherings, Usher, John Legend, and Leonardo DiCaprio convened at one of the town's most iconic mansions. TMZ obtained exclusive footage from inside the William Morris and Endeavor talent agency's lavish soirée in Beverly Hills on Friday night. Held at the famed Beverly Estate, often referred to as the "Godfather Mansion," the event was teeming with A-listers.
Sources revealed that WME pulled out all the stops for its Oscar weekend celebration, hosting a glittering bash reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. Despite representing her, the agency omitted an invitation to Harry and Meghan. However, they feted their nominated clients, including director Christopher Nolan and actor Robert Downey Jr. Amidst the opulent setting of the former William Randolph Hearst estate, industry luminaries mingled, reminiscent of scenes from "The Godfather," which was shot there.
The evening also boasted a vibrant music scene, with Usher, fresh off his electrifying 2024 Super Bowl performance and album release, seen socializing with Justin Timberlake and music mogul Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted dancing into the late hours in a disco room where Snoop Dogg held court. Other notable attendees included Austin Butler, Brie Larson, Kristen Stewart, Hailey Bieber, Keanu Reeves, Dustin Hoffman, and Nicholas Cage.
The exclusive mansion bash featured ten themed areas, ranging from a Chinatown Night Market to an Egyptian Lounge and a charity casino. Notably absent were Harry and Meghan, who were also excluded from the 2024 Oscars. Their absence stirred speculation, given their lack of involvement in the film industry this year. However, sources close to Meghan revealed that the couple opted out of the Oscars to avoid potential encounters with Hollywood actresses following recent controversies.
Insiders hinted at a deeper rift between WME and the royals, suggesting that the agency had severed ties with them and was possibly letting their contract expire quietly. This purported fallout stemmed from alleged misrepresentations regarding Meghan's involvement in certain projects, leading to a breakdown in trust. With their ties to Hollywood seemingly fraying, the couple's decision to hire a UK-based PR firm further underscores their shift away from the entertainment industry.
WME's announcement of a contract in April 2023 implies its potential expiration in April 2024, barring renewal. Amidst rumors of strained relations, even the intervention of UK-based PR may not salvage the situation. As tensions escalate, Harry and Meghan's future in Hollywood remains uncertain, with speculation rife about their motives and aspirations beyond the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown.
